Fola Badmus

At Least Three Palestinians Killed by Israeli Strikes in Gaza Amid Fragile Ceasefire

At least three Palestinians have been killed in Gaza despite the ongoing ceasefire, according to medical sources who spoke to Al Jazeera on Thursday. The deaths mark yet another violation of the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, heightening fears of renewed hostilities. The latest attacks occurred as both sides continue to accuse each other of breaching the terms of the ceasefire, which was meant to bring temporary relief to the war-battered enclave. Witnesses reported Israeli strikes in central and southern Gaza, with several civilians among the casualties. An Israeli government agency has meanwhile announced that the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt for the movement of people will remain delayed. The crossing, a critical route for humanitarian aid and evacuation, has been closed for weeks amid ongoing security and logistical disputes. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has instructed the military to prepare what he described as a “comprehensive plan” to defeat Hamas should the ceasefire collapse completely. The directive underscores Tel Aviv’s continued insistence on dismantling the group’s military and political infrastructure. Hamas, for its part, has handed over the remains of two more Israeli captives, according to Palestinian media outlets. The group admitted, however, that locating the bodies of additional captives buried beneath Gaza’s widespread destruction will require specialised equipment and external assistance. The truce, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States, remains tenuous as sporadic gunfire, drone strikes, and shelling persist in several areas of Gaza. Humanitarian agencies have warned that the situation could deteriorate rapidly if full-scale hostilities resume. Health officials in Gaza say the death toll continues to rise even during periods of supposed calm, as limited medical access and infrastructure collapse make it increasingly difficult to treat the wounded. The ongoing violence also complicates diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising the region. Talks to consolidate the ceasefire and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid have stalled amid mutual distrust and political pressure on both sides. International observers have urged Israel to maintain restraint and allow aid access through Rafah, while calling on Hamas to uphold the truce and release any remaining hostages. For many in Gaza, however, the ceasefire offers little solace. As one resident told Al Jazeera, “Even when they say there is a ceasefire, we still live in fear. The sounds of drones and explosions never really stop.”

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Ekong: Super Eagles’ll Give Play Off Our Best Shot

Captain William Troost-Ekong said on Wednesday morning that the Super Eagles will give the CAF Play-Off Tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Morocco next month their very best shot, as the group continues to quietly delight in the 4-0 win over Bénin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday that sent Nigeria to the play-off tournament, which precedes the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for Mexico in March next year.   “We are quite happy to have that opportunity. It is a long route but it is a route afterall. We would have loved to get the automatic ticket but it didn’t happen and we take what we have. For us, we will remain strong and tough and ready to confront every challenge on our way as we search for the ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.   “It was a wonderful team effort on Tuesday evening. Everyone contributed; each person played their part. If the other match had gone in favour, we would be with the automatic ticket now. But that’s life. You take what you get and run with it, and make the best of it.”   Nigeria got their best result of the campaign on an inspired night in the Akwa Ibom State capital, with Victor Osimhen netting a hat-trick and midfielder Frank Onyeka, who came in as a substitute, rifling in with the clock on 90 minutes to send the three-time African champions to the CAF Play-off Tournament.   With the result they earned, the Super Eagles should have picked up the automatic ticket from Group C, but once more, Rwanda’s Amavubi failed to hold things tight for Nigeria at the crucial hour, crumbling like a pack of cards to South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Nelspruit. It was November 2005 all over again, when all the Amavubi needed to do was hold Angola to a draw on the final matchday at home in Kigali, but they conceded a late goal by Fabrice Akwa to render Nigeria’s five-goal rout of Zimbabwe in Abuja inconsequential, instead sending Angola to their first FIFA World Cup finals.   In the CAF Play-offs, Nigeria will take on Gabon’s Palancas Negras in a ‘first semi-final’ on Thursday, 13th November, with Cameroon taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the ‘second semi-final’ on Friday, 14th November. The two winners clash on Sunday, 16th November in the ‘final’, with the winner to proceed to the Intercontinental Play-offs scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in March next year.   At the International Play-off Tournament, six teams will battle for two tickets. The teams are Africa’s winner, Bolivia, New Caledonia, winner of Asian play-off between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, and two of Jamaica, Costa Rica and Panama.

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2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos Edge Paraguay in Five-Goal Thriller

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, rounded off their pre-World Cup preparations in style with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Paraguay in Casablanca on Tuesday evening. It was a match filled with pace, precision, and plenty of lessons as Coach Bankole Olowookere’s girls sealed their 12th warm-up game, extending their scoring tally to an impressive 50 goals while conceding just six.   The Flamingos wasted no time announcing their intent, taking the lead inside the opening two minutes. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface launched a pinpoint long ball that found captain Shakirat Moshood, who cleverly laid it off for Mariam Yahaya. The forward made no mistake, chipping the onrushing Paraguayan goalkeeper to give Nigeria an early advantage.   Eight minutes later, Shakirat had a chance to double the lead, but her effort flew just over the bar. Paraguay found a lifeline in the 15th minute after a defensive error from Christiana Sunday gifted them an equaliser against the run of play. The South Americans grew in confidence, forcing Boniface into two fine saves as the Flamingos briefly lost their rhythm.   However, the Nigerians quickly regained control, and just before halftime, they were back in front. A defensive mix-up at the back allowed Yahaya to pounce for her brace in the 44th minute before completing a sensational first-half hat-trick a minute later, thanks to a delightful pass from Kaosarat Olanrewaju.   The second half saw the Flamingos maintain their attacking momentum, with Ayomide Abubakar and Shakirat Moshood both coming close to adding to the tally. Substitute goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu made a crucial save in the 69th minute to preserve Nigeria’s two-goal cushion as Paraguay searched for a route back into the game. In the final moments, another defensive lapse allowed Paraguay to pull one back, but it was too late to deny Nigeria a deserved 3–2 win.   With their Morocco training camp now concluded, the Flamingos will head to Rabat on Wednesday morning to settle into their FIFA accommodation ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off on October 17. Drawn in Group D, Nigeria will open their campaign against Canada on Sunday 19th October, then face France three days later, before wrapping up the group stage against Samoa on October 25.

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VDM Noodles

Blord’s Savage Clapback: Posting VDM’s “Noodles Vs Nudes” in the Heat of the iPhone Beef

If you’re plugged into Nigerian social media drama, you’ve probably been glued to your screen watching the explosive feud between crypto king Blord (Linus Williams) and activist firebrand VeryDarkMan (VDM, real name Martins Vincent Otse). What started as a takedown over a “fake” iPhone upgrade has spiraled into one of the messiest, most personal beefs of the year. And today? It hit a new low—or high, depending on how you see it—with Blord straight-up posting VDM’s alleged leaked intimate photos (yeah, those “noodles” we can’t unsee) on his Instagram Story. Buckle up; this one’s wild. The Spark: Blord’s “iPhone 17 Pro” Flex Gone Wrong. Let’s rewind to set the scene. Blord, the self-made tech entrepreneur and Blord Group chairman, has built an empire on crypto, gadgets, and that unapologetic hustle vibe. Last week, he dropped a video on Instagram unboxing what he called an “upgraded” iPhone XR—basically a refurbished old model tricked out to look and function like the shiny new iPhone 17 Pro. We’re talking custom casings, tweaked interfaces, and all the bells and whistles of Apple’s latest drop. Blord wasn’t shy about the price tag either: ₦400,000 per unit, with just two available. “Innovation at its finest,” he captioned it, flexing his China-based operations like a boss.Enter VDM, the no-holds-barred social crusader who’s made a career calling out scams, fake pastors, and shady celebs. In a viral rant video, VDM didn’t hold back: “Blord is trying to scam Nigerians! This is a cheap Chinese trick—inflating prices to look innovative. Show us the factory, bro!” He accused Blord of misleading the public and turning a basic mod into a get-rich-quick scheme. The video blew up, racking up millions of views and splitting opinions down the middle. Was Blord a visionary or a hustler playing too loose?Blord Fires Back: From Defense to Full OnslaughtBlord? Unfazed. The man hit back harder than a crypto crash. In a series of Instagram Stories and posts, he defended his hustle, insisting the upgrades were legit and done in a massive China office. “Come visit if you doubt me,” he challenged, doubling down on his transparency. But as the beef escalated, things got personal. Blord started dragging VDM’s past—accusing him of jealousy, theft (even roping in VDM’s mom in one X post), and worse. Then came the escalation we didn’t see coming. Blord upped the ante with a bounty: ₦500,000 to anyone who could send him VDM’s “unclad photos” (n*des, for the uninitiated). Fans and trolls flooded the replies, but Blord wasn’t bluffing. Today, October 14, 2025, he delivered. Screenshots circulating on X show Blord reposting what appear to be VDM’s leaked intimate images—blurry, explicit shots that have been floating around scandal archives for months—right on his Instagram Story. The caption? Something along the lines of a mocking “VDM noodles” taunt, turning the post into a brutal, viral roast.X lit up like a bonfire. Users like @Mrmykero tweeted, “Blord legit posted VDM noodles on his story nawo,” while @blaizeluxe added, “So Blord wasn’t joking. Omo so VDM was actually once selling noodles .” (For the record, “noodles” is Naija slang for those downstairs pics—crude, but effective in the beef game.) @emadeyforyou summed it up: “Omo Blord don drop Verydarkman noodles for IG status oh .” Even @chefchukwudi145 quipped, “BLord just paid 500k for VDMCC noodles . This one look like new preek ooh. So him still dey sell preek.” The memes? Relentless. From edited iPhone boxes labeled “VDM Edition” to Photoshopped noodle bowls with VDM’s face, Naija Twitter is eating this up.The Fallout: Laughter, Outrage, and a Deeper Dive into Celeb FeudsNot everyone’s laughing, though. VDM fired back in a teary Instagram Live, pleading, “Why not just talk to me and leave my mother out of it?” He accused Blord of sinking to desperate lows and vowed to expose more “fraud.” Supporters rallied behind him, calling Blord’s move a low blow that crosses into revenge p*rn territory—especially since these leaks stem from VDM’s own past scandals, like the 2024 group chat drama where his exes’ pics got aired. Critics like media personality Oriretan Honour piled on, slamming both for turning a business callout into “selfish clout-chasing” and dragging China and the Nigerian government into the mess for good measure. On the flip side, Blord’s loyalists see it as karma. “VDM started the mudslinging; Blord just finished it,” one commenter noted. It’s a reminder of how thin the line is between public accountability and personal vendettas in the influencer world. Blord’s story vanished after a few hours (IG’s 24-hour rule at work), but the damage? Done. Views, engagement, and headlines are through the roof.What Does This Mean for Naija’s Digital Drama Kings?This VDM vs. Blord saga isn’t just tea—it’s a mirror to bigger issues. In a country where crypto scams and gadget flips are big business, VDM’s watchdogs-vs-hustlers role is vital. But when lines blur into n*de-posting bounties, it raises red flags about privacy, consent, and the cost of clout. Blord’s move might win him the round (his follower count spiked overnight), but at what price to his “philanthropist” brand?As for VDM, resilience is his middle name—he’s bounced back from j*il time and leak scandals before. Expect more videos, more callouts, and probably a Portable diss track remix thrown in for spice.What do you think? Is Blord’s “noodles” post a savage win or a career-killer? Drop your takes in the comments—let’s keep the convo spicy but civil. Stay tuned for updates; this beef’s far from over.

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World Cup Qualifier: Tinubu, Atiku, Obi Thumb Up Super Eagles

By Bunmi Ogunyale   President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on their emphatic 4-0 victory over the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic and commends the team for keeping the nation’s hope alive as they pursue qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.   The President, in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, praised the Super Eagles for the hunger, passion, and determination displayed on the field in Uyo, noting that the superlative performance has reignited Nigerians’ football pride.   ”While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs.   “The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host.   “As your President, I assure you and the coaching crew of the Federal Government’s support as you strive to secure your place at the tournament. Nigerians everywhere believe in you, and I do too.   “We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage.   In a similar vein, the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Election, Mr. Peter Obi also congratulated the Super Eagles on recillence in the World Cup qualifier.   Both frontline politicians took to their twitter handles now X to commend the senior national team for keeping alive their 2026 FIFA World Cup participation.   “Dear Super Eagles, thank you for this beautiful evening of superlative soccer and a sweet victory to make the country proud,” Atiku wrote.   The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi also saluted the doggedness of the Eric Chelle lad, saying; “Congratulations to our Super Eagles.   “Today, my day started very early at 6am, and after a very hectic day of participating in 5 different events of commissioning and campaigning in Anambra State, I had to watch the Super Eagles game.   “I watched with so much confidence and pride, and it was such a brilliant and sweet victory against the Benin Republic.   “The performance was really Super showing that it’s Possible.   “You showed true Nigerian spirit, strength, dominance, and unity on the field. This is the power of perseverance and teamwork.   “Well done, Super Eagles.   “Congratulations.”

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Asisat Oshoala Becomes CAF Ambassador

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially welcomed Asisat Lamina Oshoala into its cadre of Ambassadors, celebrating her outstanding contributions to African women’s football. The announcement marks another milestone for the Nigerian forward, whose influence both on and off the pitch has been unmatched across the continent. Oshoala, born October 9, 1994, in Ikorodu, Lagos, has built a decorated career with clubs including Barcelona and Bay FC. The former FC Robo Queens player steps into this new ambassadorial role with so much achievement bagged over her enviable career. Her record-breaking, consistent, and inspirational resume speaks volumes. She has won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year a record six times (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023), more than any other African female player. In the 2022-23 season for FC Barcelona Femení, she was the top scorer in Spain, netting 20+ league goals and 27 in all competitions as the club secured the league title and UEFA Women’s Champions League. In her time with Barcelona, she amassed 117 goals in 163 official matches across all competitions, helping the club to win multiple domestic titles, Spanish cups, super cups, and Champions League honours. For Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Oshoala has played over 60 matches, scoring close to 37 international goals. She has featured in multiple Women’s AFCON tournaments and Women’s World Cups — she is the first African player to score in three different Women’s World Cup tournaments. As a CAF Ambassador, Oshoala will no doubt leverage her platform to uplift women’s football across Africa. She will continue encouraging young girls, advocating for growth in women’s competitions, and continue to embody excellence at every level.

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World Cup Qualifier: Super Eagles May Battle Gabon in Semi-Final Play-Off

By Bunmi Ogunyale Three-time African Champions, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been tipped to battle The Panthers of Gabon in the semi-final of FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off in November. Nigeria are among four nations waiting to discover their opponents in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) semi-final. As announced by FIFA earlier in the week, two semi-finals will be held on November 13 and then the final on November 16 at venues still to be confirmed. Furthermore, the four teams will have to wait until the next FIFA rankings is issued on October 23 to discover their opponents with the highest-ranked side taking on the lowest and the second-highest taking on the third-highest. Nigeria (45) are the highest-ranked African nation to have finished second in qualification which means they would face a play-off semi-final against Gabon (79). Nigeria saved their best performance in qualification for the final game, thumping Benin 4-0 in Uyo on Tuesday evening to leapfrog their rivals in Group C. Victor Osimhen was the hero for Eric Chelle’s side as he netted a superb hat-trick in his nation’s hour of need. Although, with time ticking away, the hosts still needed another goal to guarantee a play-off spot. Frank Onyeka, in the first minute of injury time right at the end of the game, scored the decisive goal and one that could be worth its weight in gold over the next few months. The victory was not enough for the Super Eagles to top the group and therefore qualify automatically for next summer’s tournament as that honour went to South Africa instead after they beat Rwanda 3-0. However, Nigeria do have a lifeline thanks to a four-star showing inside the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. At the final whistle, Nigeria joined Cameroon as two of the definite best runners-up from the CAF qualifying section with either Gabon/Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso or DR Congo set to fill the remaining spots. Once the identity of all four teams have been revealed, they will play a mini tournament in Morocco in November to determine a single team that will go on to compete in an inter-continental playoff in March for a place at the 2026 World Cup.  

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World Cup Ticket Final Battle: Eagles Determined to Fight for Decent Win

Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has assured that the Super Eagles will give everything they have to secure a decent win over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic and hope for favour from Nelspruit as the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race hits the final matchday on Tuesday.   Group C leaders Benin Republic, on 17 points, have their fate in their hands as a win over Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium will earn them their first-ever FIFA World Cup ticket.   However, Nigeria have not missed two consecutive FIFA World Cup finals since first reaching the finals in 1994, and will throw everything into Tuesday’s battle.   Regardless of their surprising third place in the group going into the final matchday, Nigeria is the only one among the three contenders for the lone ticket from the group that has lost only one match. Both Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, who have 15 points and host Rwanda’s Amavubi, have each lost two matches.   No doubt, the Cheetahs, now coached by former Nigeria gaffer Gernot Rohr, have conducted a campaign to be proud of, as they hunt for their first-ever ticket to the global finals. Their 17 points and two-point cushion at the top means they will live their dream if they secure a point in Uyo on Tuesday evening and South Africa fail to trounce Rwanda at Mbombela.   In contrast, Nigeria is seeking a seventh FIFA World Cup appearance, having made the Round of 16 in three of their previous three, and the spine of the Class of 2025 know this could be their only chance of sitting at world football’s highest podium.   Captain William Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals but that was a competition the Super Eagles left at the group stage, and both will surely prefer to experience another tournament with all the glitz and glamour that North America promises next summer.   Ekong, voted Man of the Competition at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations final, is set to win his 83rd cap on Tuesday while Iwobi will earn his 89th.   Top scorer and 2023 Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, defender Calvin Bassey, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman, among others, have not been to the FIFA World Cup finals.   The Cheetahs have been to only four Africa Cup of Nations finals, as against the Super Eagles’ 20 participations, and their all-time high was a quarter-final berth in Egypt six years ago, compared to Nigeria’s three titles, five runner-up positions and eight third-place finishes.   Both teams will miss a number of key players on Tuesday. Benin Republic’s central defender Yohan Roche and defensive midfielder Sessi d’Almeida are suspended, just as Nigeria’s Africa Player of the Year Lookman, with the six-time finalists also missing wing-backs Olaoluwa Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel through injuries.   Gernot Rohr and his army will have the backing of Benin Republic’s 11.5million people, just as Nigeria’s 220 million people, including dozens of thousands who will be in the stands, will be cheering on the Super Eagles.   A two-goal win by the Super Eagles, and failure by South Africa to beat Rwanda in Nelspruit, will earn Nigeria an automatic ticket to the 23rd FIFA World Cup finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.

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