16 Women Teams to Star at Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

FIFA is pleased with the decision taken by the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to approve a proposal for 16 women’s and 12 men’s teams to participate in the Olympic Football Tournaments at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28) – a major milestone for the women’s game and a powerful endorsement of women’s sport. The expansion of the women’s tournament reflects the shared commitment of FIFA, the IOC and LA28 to elevate women’s sport, celebrate the strength of the women’s game in the United States and continue to open doors for more players and more nations on the world stage. “FIFA has always believed in the power of women’s football and today’s decision by the IOC Executive Board is a positive step,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “Our vision is clear: we are investing in and expanding opportunities for women’s football at every level. More teams on the Olympic stage means more role models, more inspiration and more impact. “This development reflects our shared understanding that women’s football deserves greater representation and visibility at the Olympic Games. We thank the IOC for the fruitful discussions that will make LA28 a groundbreaking event, and we will continue to work with our partners to incorporate futsal and beach soccer into the Olympic programme.” FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, said: “FIFA has been working on the increase in women’s teams at the Olympics for some time. On behalf of FIFA, I would like to thank the IOC administration for their collaboration with us over the past months to prepare this groundbreaking decision. We are very pleased with the outcome but, of course, we will continue with fully commitment our daily and sustained work across all relevant areas of the women’s game including competitions, technical and the regulatory landscape to unlock the undeniable potential it has everywhere in the world.” FIFA has consistently advocated the expansion of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, including by having made a formal request to increase the number of women’s teams from 12 to 16 ahead of Paris 2024. This request was in line with Goal 7 of FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027 , which calls for more opportunities for women and girls in football and at all levels of the game. It also builds on the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, which was expanded from 24 to 32 teams, resulting in record-breaking engagement and showcasing the emerging talent from around the world. This move only increased the interest in the tournament, as eight debutant nations and an additional 184 players had the chance to perform on the global stage.

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Police Condemn Assault on Female Driver, Arrest Suspect

The Lagos State Police Command has condemned the viral video circulating on social media, depicting the assault of one Yetunde Amole by a suspected thug near the Oriental Hotel area in Lagos. The Command in a statement posted on social media frowned at the act in the strongest terms, just as they updated the public on the actions already taken. The statement reads; “The incident occurred on April 7, 2025, at about 1400hrs, when the suspect, identified as Friday Onu, was caught attempting to steal Amole’s car battery. Amole, courageously Lagos State Police Command intervened to prevent the theft, resulting in the suspect assaulting her. “Following a prompt response by officers of Maroko Division, Friday Onu was arrested shortly after the incident and detained at the division. Preparations for his arraignment were underway.”

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Gov. Adeleke Seeks UK Subnational Investment, Signs MoU on Investment Facilitation

Governor Ademola Adeleke on Tuesday at the House of Commons in London, tasked the United Kingdom government to focus on subnational investment in Nigeria with emphasis on Osun state which he called the heartland of South Western Nigeria. The Governor made the clarion call at an investment working visit hosted by the UK Prime Minister’s Envoy to Nigeria on Trade and Investment, Rt. Hon Florence Eshalomi MP attended by the management team of ESG Management Services UK Ltd. and other private sector representatives. Governor Adeleke said this is the time Nigeria and the UK should further close ranks in bilateral business relations, citing “the uncertainty in the global economy calls for more partnerships between and among members of the Commonwealth of Nations. “Aside from binational collaboration, We advocate a further linkage between the British economy and subnational entities in Nigeria. The openings and prospects are too much to be ignored”, the Governor canvassed. Making a strong case for Osun state as an investment destination, Senator Adeleke noted that “Osun presents a rare opportunity for such an economic partnership. Osun state, with a population of about five million people, is the heartland of Yoruba people. South West comprises six states, but Osun state is at the core. “We have huge potential for investment in mining, agriculture, digital economy, free trade zone, creative economy, and others. We have a well trained labor force and a commendable investment environment. “Osun boasts of being the most peaceful state in the country with a high rating in the ease of doing business. Our investment environment is boosted by a 45-day window for processing of Certificate of Occupancy, elimination of multiple taxation through a unified tax system, and operation of a one-stop shop for investment processes. “Above all, we have a strict system for the protection of investment and investors. An added advantage is our well-developed business community organised under the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry”, said the Governor leading a team of businessmen and technocrats. He said the Osun government has reduced the state infrastructure deficit by over 50 percent, promising that by the 2025 intervention plans, the deficit reduction is targeted to be over 70 percent.

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$150m Aluminium, Copper Ingots Plant Berth in Ogun, Set to Employ 500

The current influx of investors to Ogun State has yet to abate, as another recycling plant for the production of aluminium and copper ingots has been established in the state. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Neveah Ltd, Mr. Ibidapo Lawal stated this on Monday after a meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Lawal noted that the multimillion-dollar recycling plant, when fully operational and at full capacity, would generate over $150 million annually and employ more than 500 people. He said the plant would recycle aluminium scraps from car engines, cans, and other metals into ADC 12 and export them to car manufacturing companies in Asia, Japan, Indonesia, and a host of others. He said: “The plant is situated in Mowe, and it will employ more than 500 people, thereby creating jobs locally and also contributing to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole. It will account for about 2.53 per cent of the entire non-oil export for Nigeria. “Initially, this project was meant to be situated in the north, but we chose Ogun because of its proximity to ports like Tincan, Apapa, and, of course, Lekki. “Apart from that, you think in terms of capital appreciation. Unlike any other state, you look at the return you are going to get in terms of investment. Ogun is very close to Lagos, and you can see that the price of land and property keeps appreciating.” The Chief Executive Officer maintained that the availability of skilled labor and expatriates, infrastructure like a good road network, as well as an abundance of gas, led to the decision to choose Ogun State for setting up the business. “Another thing is the availability of gas. If we set up our plant in another state, we would probably have to power our plant using diesel, but in Ogun State, gas is available, so it is cheaper for us,” Lawal added. He said his meeting with the governor was to brief him on the progress of work at the site and to seek his support for the successful takeoff of the plant. “The governor was very happy and quite supportive. It is interesting to see a governor who is willing and ready to work with the people, promote investment, and care so much about the people. It was a very productive meeting,” he said.

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Victor Moses, Luton Town Part Ways

Luton Town’s Victor Moses has less than three months left on his contract and his future is set to be away from the Championship club. That’s according to Africa Foot, who state the 34-year-old is aiming for new opportunities in the summer window. At the end of last season, Moses was released by Spartak Moscow and was without a club until Luton Town signed him on a free transfer in September 2024. He’s played 18 games so far this season. Luton Town appointed Matt Bloomfield as their new manager in January. Moses has played only once under his orders, against Preston North End in January. The manager has left the former Chelsea man out of the squad since then. Therefore, Moses has decided not to sign a new contract at Luton Town and leave them as a free agent. The player is managed by Roof and a source close to the agency has told Africa Foot that they can’t ignore his current situation at the English club. “He hasn’t played much since the beginning of the year, which is a fact we cannot ignore,” a source said. “But internally, the decision has been made: he’ll leave the club at the end of the season. He wants to end his time here on a high note, so he remains focused and professional until the end. His future will be determined very soon, but one thing is certain: he won’t retire.”

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EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Port Harcourt

Operatives of the Port Harcourt’s Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested Thirty Seven (37) suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Tuesday April 8, 2025 in an operation code named “operation eagle sweep”. They were arrested for alleged internet fraud after the Commission received credible intelligence on their activities in various hideouts within the State. Items recovered from them include different brands and models of exotic vehicles, smart phones, smart wrist watches, international passports, Automated Teller Machine, ATM cards of different banks and laptops containing incriminating materials and documents. The matter will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

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Labour Party Submits Supreme Court Judgement on Leadership to INEC

A high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP), led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja to discuss key developments within the party. During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership. He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the LP’s current structure. The delegation was received by INEC’s Acting Chairman, Mr. Sam Olumekun, and other National Commissioners. Both parties engaged in discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values. Mr. Olumekun reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

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