Fola Badmus

Gara-Gombe Fetes Team Nigeria in Tunis

Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, Chief Executive Officer of Green White Green Sports Center Limited, has extended a heartfelt gesture of support to Team Nigeria at the ongoing ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunis, Tunisia. Gara-Gombe, who visited the Rades Multi-Sports Complex, treated the Nigerian contingent to a sumptuous meal as part of his effort to motivate the squad to give their best at the prestigious continental event. “As a proud Nigerian, I’m deeply invested in the success of our teams across all sports. This table tennis team holds a special place in my heart. Seeing these young men and women represent our country inspires me to support and encourage them,” Gara-Gombe said. “I’ve visited the venue twice to cheer them on, and I felt they needed an extra boost of motivation. That’s why I decided to host them for a meal—to lift their spirits and help them give their best for Nigeria. I’m truly impressed by their discipline and the way they’ve conducted themselves under the guidance of our legend, Segun Toriola. This is my humble token of support, and I wish them success in all their matches,” he added. President of ITTF Africa, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, expressed gratitude for Gara-Gombe’s thoughtful gesture, describing it as a morale booster for the team. “We sincerely thank Mr. Gara-Gombe for taking the time to visit the team over the past two days, cheering them on and encouraging them. His generous act of hosting the team to a delightful meal in Tunis is both inspiring and uplifting. He has proven himself to be a true friend of table tennis and a passionate supporter of sports in general,” Oshodi said.

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Algeria Qualifies for 2026 World Cup, 1st Time Since 2014

Algeria has become the fourth African country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup — and all of them are from the north of the continent. A 3-0 win over Somalia on Thursday guaranteed Algeria first place in Group G in African qualifying and a return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. Algeria, captained by Riyad Mahrez and led by former Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic, joined neighboring nations Morocco and Tunisia as well as Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in securing a spot in next year’s expanded 48-team tournament being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the fifth time for the Algerians at the World Cup — and they’ve only ever progressed from the group stage once, in 2014 when they lost to Germany in the round of 16. A total of nine African teams will directly qualify and be in the World Cup tournament draw taking place on Dec. 5 in Washington D.C. The other five group winners will be known over the next week. The four best runners-up play in a knockout competition in November and the winner advances to the playoffs. Despite being a home game for Somalia, it was staged at the Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex in Algeria and the fans were treated to a show by Mahrez — the team’s star winger who used to play for Manchester City and now is at Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. The 34-year-old Mahrez set up goals for Mohamed Amoura in the sixth and 58th minutes, either side of scoring himself with a fierce strike into the roof of the net in the 19th. Mahrez started his international career weeks before the 2014 World Cup and was included in Algeria’s squad for the tournament, only playing in its first group game. Uganda stayed in second place in the group — four points behind Algeria — after beating Botswana 1-0 and moved three points clear of Mozambique, who lost 2-1 at home to Guinea. In the final round of matches, Uganda travel to Algeria and Mozambique play Somalia. All the African teams heading to the World Cup will look to repeat the exploits of Morocco, which became the first team from the continent to reach the semifinals in the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

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SWAN Disowns Illegal Lagos Election, Petitions IGP, DSS Over Misuse of Security Personnel

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has strongly disowned and condemned the purported election set to be organised in Lagos by suspended members of the association, describing it as illegal, null and void, and a deliberate act of sabotage against the integrity of the body. The NEC said the only intention of the suspended members of the association is to create confusion, wondering why they leverage the use of thugs to create confusion while colluding with illegal security operatives. In a firm resolution reached by the NEC and endorsed by the National Secretariat, SWAN reaffirmed that Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, former Chairperson and Secretary of the Lagos Chapter respectively, remain indefinitely suspended from all activities and structures of the association. The association has consequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), drawing attention to what it described as a dangerous pattern of intimidation, impersonation, and misuse of security operatives by the suspended duo to disrupt peace within the Lagos sporting and journalistic community.   In the petition signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association said the suspended officials are attempting to stage an unauthorised election in Lagos on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite prior notification of their suspension to both the Lagos State Police Command and the DSS Directorate. SWAN recalled that during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, Ms. Oladunni mobilised more than eleven (11) police vehicles and armed operatives to a peaceful gathering of sports journalists — describing the act as “a brazen show of force, abuse of privilege, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate members. “The so-called Lagos election is not only illegal but also an affront to the authority of the National Executive Council,” the NEC resolution stated. “The individuals behind this plot have no mandate or legitimacy to act in the name of SWAN. Their continued defiance constitutes gross misconduct and will attract further disciplinary measures.” The association warned that any security officer or agency that lends support to the illegitimate exercise would be aiding an unlawful activity and undermining the association’s recognised constitutional order. SWAN therefore, urged the IGP and DG DSS to restrain the suspended officials, maintain neutrality, and prevent any misuse of security institutions in matters internal to professional associations. Reaffirming its authority, the NEC through the National Secretariat, reserves the power to supervise or approve elections in state chapters, stressing that any activity outside that structure “is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.” “The NEC of SWAN stands firm in defending the unity, credibility, and sanctity of the association,” the statement added. “We will not permit any act of indiscipline, impersonation, or external interference that threatens our stability and professional integrity.” The association further assured all members nationwide of its commitment to due process, accountability, and the protection of journalists’ rights, urging them to disregard the actions of the suspended individuals and remain guided by the decisions of the National Executive Council.

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Flying Eagles Crash Out from U20 World Cup

Six-time champions Argentina eliminated Nigeria from the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile on Wednesday evening, winning their Round of 16 tie in Santiago 4-0 to avenge the Flying Eagles’ own triumph over them at the same stage when the Argies hosted the tournament two years ago.   Alejo Sarco scored Argentina’s first as early as the second minute, before Maher Carrizo doubled the advantage from a free-kick in the 23rd minute, disrupting Nigeria’s game-plan. Maher Carrizo’s goal came following a challenge by midfielder Nasiru Salihu at the edge of the box.   An appeal for penalty award from Nigeria was waved off by the referee despite Ramirez’s clumsy challenge on Salihu in the vital area. Oseer Achihi was a constant threat from the left wing of play, as his crosses into the box forced the Argentines to defend stoutly, conceding throw-ins and corner-kicks to relieve them of the pressure.   Daniel Daga’s stoppage-time close range effort on goal was denied by goalkeeper Santino Barbi’s superb save to keep the scoreline 2-0 at half time. Carrizo compounded matters for Nigeria with the third goal in the 53rd minute, after the South Americans broke forward once more.   Second half substitute, Matheus Silvetti beat the offside trap to bend his kick to the bottom right of Ebenezer Harcourt for Argentina’s fourth goal in the 66th minute.   Defeat meant elimination from this year’s championship for two-time silver medallists Nigeria.   2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals: Flamingos settle down in Casablanca   The Nigeria U17 Women’s National Team, Flamingos, arrived safely in Morocco on Wednesday, ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The team departed Abuja early Wednesday morning at 7:18 a.m. aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight and landed in Casablanca at 11:28 a.m. Nigeria time.   On arrival at the Mohammed V International Airport, the girls were greeted with an unexpected but inspiring moment as they ran into former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, who was en route to France. The ex-international took a few moments to speak with the players, urging them to stay disciplined, focused, and to represent Nigeria with pride and unity at the global showpiece. His words were met with smiles and applause from both players and officials.   The Flamingos have since settled into their base at the Ibis Hotel in Casablanca, where they will spend the next few days fine-tuning their preparations before heading to Rabat for the tournament proper. The team’s spirit was high upon arrival, with several players expressing excitement at the opportunity to don Nigeria’s colors on the world stage once again.   The 2022 World Cup bronze medallists held a light training session on Wednesday evening to help the players recover from jet-lag and get used to the Moroccan weather conditions. The session focused primarily on recovery, ball movement, and coordination drills.   Nigeria is drawn in Group D of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, with their opening match scheduled for Sunday, October 19. The Flamingos head into the tournament full of confidence, having played ten preparatory matches, scoring 44 goals without conceding.

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10,000 Constables Pass Out of Police Training Institutions

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully passed out 10,000 newly trained Constables, following the completion of their intensive training across various Police Colleges and Training Institutions nationwide. The Passing Out Parade, which took place on October 7, 2025 simultaneously across all designated training institutions, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Force to strengthen its manpower base and enhance operational capacity in line with global policing standards. Addressing the new recruits, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended their commitment and perseverance throughout the rigorous training process. He charged them to carry with them the values of honour, diligence, and patriotism that have been instilled during their course of instruction.   During their training, the recruits were exposed to modern policing standards, ethical values, and practical field operations designed to prepare them for the complex realities of 21st-century law enforcement. The curriculum emphasised community partnership, intelligence-led policing, respect for human rights, and the judicious use of authority, all aimed at promoting professionalism and public trust in policing. The passing out of this set of Constables forms part of the Force’s strategic manpower development plan under the current administration, geared towards enhancing security presence, improving response capacity, and reinforcing public safety across the nation. Earlier in January 2025, a set of 10,000 constables passed out of various Police Training Institutions. IGP Egbetokun reiterates the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to continuous training, welfare improvement, and institutional reforms that would sustain the gains of modern policing and ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria for all.

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Abuja Lawyers Petition US Attorney General Against Sowore

A group of lawyers based in Abuja, have petitioned the Attorney General of the the State of New York, United States of America, seeking investigations into the financial activities of Sahara Media Group Incorporated and its owner, Mr. Omoyele Sowore. The lawyers, in a petition on their behalf by Heartland Advisors & Solicitors, dated October 7, 2025, and submitted at the United States Embassy in Abuja yesterday, also demanded a “suspension, and or invalidation of Sowore’s U.S travel documents.” Demands in the petition signed by Barrister Sunday Oluwole and Barrister Felix Olanrewaju Wolemiwa, also include; “Examination of Sahara Media Group Inc.’s financial records, including the MacArthur Foundation grant, for compliance with New York nonprofit laws (e.g., N-PCL § 112), investigate whether funds raised by Sahara Media Group Inc. are used for their intended charitable purposes or diverted to personal or political activities and review Mr. Sowore’s individual and corporate tax filings for compliance with U.S. tax laws, particularly regarding income supporting his U.S. property and lifestyle.” The petition titled; “Request for Investigation into Financial Activities of Sahara Media Group Inc. and Mr. Omoyele Sowore,” read; “We are writing to respectfully request your office’s review of the financial activities of Sahara Media Group Inc., a New York-registered entity, and its founder, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, a Nigerian citizen residing in the United States. This request stems from concerns about potential discrepancies in nonprofit financial reporting, tax compliance, and asset declarations, which may impact both U.S. and Nigerian public interests. “Mr. Sowore, a prominent activist and former Nigerian presidential candidate (2019, 2023), operates Sahara Media Group Inc., which runs Sahara Reporters. Public records raise questions about the organization’s financial transparency and Mr. Sowore’s personal financial disclosures, particularly given his political activities abroad.” They listed their key concerns to include; nonprofit Funding and Transparency, noting that Sahara Media Group Inc. received a $1.3 million grant from the MacArthur Foundation (2016–2019) for journalist training in Nigeria, and alleging that limited public reporting on the utilization of these funds raises concerns about compliance with New York nonprofit laws requiring transparency and proper use of charitable funds. “On asset declaration discrepancies, the lawyers alleged that “In 2023, Mr. Sowore reportedly declared to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ownership of a single Nigerian property valued at ₦5 million and a 2008 Toyota Camry. However, public records indicate he purchased a U.S. property around 2018, valued at approximately $552,000, which may not have been disclosed in his INEC filing. This raises questions about potential concealment of assets or perjury under Nigerian law, with possible U.S. tax implications if unreported.” Raising questions about Sowore’s financial capacity and lifestyle, the lawyers said “Reports suggest Mr. Sowore’s son attends Dwight-Englewood School in New Jersey, with annual tuition of approximately $59,235 (2024–2025). This, alongside his political campaign expenditures in Nigeria, appears inconsistent with the reported financial capacity of Sahara Media Group Inc., which operates primarily as a media outlet. A review of his income sources and tax compliance could clarify whether these are supported by legitimate, reported earnings.” They also said that “In 2018, GoFundMe temporarily suspended a $2 million fundraiser for Mr. Sowore’s “Take Back Nigeria Movement” due to concerns about its purpose. Though later restored, this incident warrants scrutiny to ensure funds raised in New York comply with charitable solicitation laws.”

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Alleged N33.2bn Fraud : EFCC Seeks Adjournment To Regularise Witness List against Dasuki

Justice Charles Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja on Tuesday, October 8, 2025 adjourned the trial of former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki(retd) to October 31, 2025 to allow the Commission update its list of witnesses and for continuation of trial. Dasuki is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on an amended 32-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to N33.2 billion. He is being tried alongside a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa, and two companies — Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited. Count one reads: “That you COL. MOHAMMED SAMBO DASUKI (RTD.) whilst being the National Security Adviser, on or about 27th November, 2014 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, entrusted with dominion over certain properties, to wit: the sum of N10, 000, 000, 000 (Ten Billion Naira) being part of the funds in the account of National Security Adviser with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the equivalent of which sum you received from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in foreign currencies to wit: $47,000,000 (Forty Seven Million Dollars) and 5.6 million Euros purporting same to be for special security service, committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property when you dishonestly released the said amount for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential primary election and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol. 4, LFN 2004.” They pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them. Testifying before the court, an EFCC detective, Adariku Michael, stated that the anti-graft agency acted on intelligence report in September 2015 alleging large-scale movement of funds by the ONSA between October 2014 and April 2015 adding that the case was assigned to a special task force led by ACE 1 Halimah Kazeem, and that investigation activities began with a letter to the CBN. Solomon Umoh,SAN, counsel to Baba-Kusa objected to Micheal’s testimony arguing that his name was not included on the EFCC’s original witness list. Responding, counsel to the EFCC, O. Atolagbe explained that the witness had earlier testified before the chief judge and that the witness already tendered documents to the court. Atolagbe further informed the court that the matter before the court has lasted for almost ten years, prompting him to request for an adjournment to regularise the list of witnesses the Commission has which was not objected by the defence. After hearing from both sides, the judge adjourned the matter to October 31, 2025 for continuation of trial.  

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Lawrence Okolie Targets Heavyweight World Title Fight

Lawrence Okolie could be one tune-up fight away from a world heavyweight title fight with “the bogeyman of the division”. Okolie is ranked No 1 with the WBC and is targeting Agit Kabayel. Germany’s Kabayel is the WBC’s interim title holder but that could be upgraded to the full world championship if Oleksandr Usyk retires or vacates the belt. Okolie’s trainer Joe Gallagher expects his fighter to compete for a heavyweight world title in 2026. “The fight with him and Kabayel, if Usyk gives up the title, that’ll most probably be March, April next year,” Gallagher told Sky Sports.   “So we’ve got to try and get Lawrence another fight. Lawrence is open to any of the world title fights not just necessarily the WBC. “But the fact that he’s ranked No 1 there and Kabayel, people see him as the bogeyman in the division and Lawrence has got the appetite to take on the bogeyman in the division. Then when he does win that title he [will have] beat the best man around for that title. “He’s open for other fights. We spoke about the Deontay Wilder fight and other fights as well. He’s in a really good position.” Kabayel is due to box in January and Okolie wants to get a tune-up bout in next too, potentially in Nigeria in December. “A quick run out, to keep the tools sharp, just like Kabayel’s doing before we see what Usyk decides to do,” Gallagher said. “He wants to [fight in Nigeria]. There’s talk of a show in December and Lawrence I think would like to be part of that show. “It’s a brilliant story,” he added. “It would wet the appetite for [Anthony] Joshua and other people to go there.”

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