Fola Badmus

Morocco 2025: Flamingos Trash Algeria 4-0 Confident of Victory in Algiers After Naira Rain

U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos Battle-Ready for France

After a painful 4–1 defeat to Canada in their opening Group D fixture, Nigeria’s U17 girls find themselves fighting for survival against a confident French side that kicked off their campaign with a strong 4–2 win over Samoa.   This fixture is more than just a group match, as there is history and something at stake for the Flamingos. The last time Nigeria met France at this tournament was 13 years ago, in Azerbaijan, where both sides played out a tense 0–0 draw in regulation time before France edged Nigeria 5–3 on penalties to advance from the quarter-finals.   That memory lingers, and for many, this feels like unfinished business. Nigeria enter tomorrow’s match bottom of the table with zero points and a minus three goal difference, meaning defeat could mathematically end their World Cup journey. At minimum, a draw is essential, but a win would flip the entire narrative heading into the final group match against Samoa.   France play with speed, fluidity and dominant structure. Their 4–2 win over Samoa was ruthless. Nigeria showed flashes of brilliance against Canada, scoring once, but defensive lapses haunted them badly.   Coach Bankole Olowookere’s team must correct their transitions, stay compact, and rediscover their mental steel, as this is no longer about tactics alone, but also about character.   At the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 1), 8pm in Rabat, the Flamingos won’t just be playing France, they’ll be playing for belief, redemption, and survival.

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2026 WAFCON Qualifier: Ajibade, Okoronkwo Expected as Injury Knocks Out Echegini

Head Coach Justine Madugu remains upbeat about Nigeria’s chances against Bénin Republic in their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, despite midfielder Jennifer Echegini being knocked out of the two games after suffering a hamstring injury in her club, Paris Saint Germain of France’s game on Monday night.   Echegini, who scored Nigeria’s winning goal in this year’s Women AFCON Final match against hosts Morocco in Rabat, will now miss Friday’s first leg of the final qualifying fixture at the Stade de Kégué in the Togolese capital, as well as the return at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex on Tuesday.   Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who also plays for PSG in France, is scheduled to arrive in Lomé on Tuesday night, alongside the Mexico-based duo of defender Osinachi Ohale and forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, USA-based duo of defender Michelle Alozie and midfielder Deborah Abiodun, Canada-based forward Esther Okoronkwo and Italy-based defender Shukurat Oladipo.   The camp swelled from nine players to 11 on Monday night with the arrivals of Portugal-based midfielder Christy Ucheibe and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre jetted into Lomé on Tuesday afternoon.  

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#FreeNnamdiKanuProtest: Police Bar Sowore, Others From Aso Rock

By Bunmi Ogunyale   The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public peace in accordance with constitutional provisions. This follows the subsisting Order of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, given on 17th October, 2025, by Honourable Justice M.G. Umar, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others. The Order, in a press statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, restrains the respondents and any other persons or groups acting under their instruction from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa and its environs, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way. “In deference to the authority of the Court and in line with the constitutional mandate of the Police to enforce law and order, the Force hereby calls on all groups — whether in support of or opposed to the ongoing agitation for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu — to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order. The directive remains binding and enforceable pending further judicial proceedings. “The Nigeria Police Force recognises and respects the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression. However, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law, particularly where public safety, national security, and the rights of other citizens are concerned. The Court’s intervention is therefore a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms. “Accordingly, all intending protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and to refrain from any act capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order. The Force will ensure the free flow of traffic, protection of lives and property, and security of all law-abiding citizens. “Any person or group that uses protests as cover to incite violence, carry or use offensive weapons, vandalise public or private property, kidnap, or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life or serious injury will be dealt with decisively.   “Offenders will be arrested, subjected to full investigation, and prosecuted under relevant criminal laws — including laws relating to public order, violent conduct and terrorism where applicable. Those who incite others via social media or other platforms should note that digital evidence will be used in investigations and prosecutions,” the statement read. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has also directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and relevant operational commands to ensure strict enforcement of the Court’s Order, maintain visible and strategic deployments across vulnerable locations, and ensure the safety of residents and lawful activities in the FCT.   All organisers and participants are therefore advised to avoid the restricted areas specified by the Court; refrain from carrying weapons, engaging in provocative conduct, or encouraging others to breach the law; and channel grievances through the courts and other lawful avenues rather than the streets.   The Nigeria Police Force however assured law-abiding Nigerians that adequate security arrangements have been made to protect lives and property. Non-participants should go about their lawful businesses without fear. Anyone found to be in breach of the Court’s Order or in contempt of the law will be arrested and prosecuted.

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Usyk Reverses Plans for Retirement

Oleksandr Usyk has reversed his plans to retire after one more fight as he looks to extend his career beyond 2026. The undisputed heavyweight champion of the world had stated he would only box once more, in a fight which was earmarked for next year. But he has now revealed he plans to continue on beyond that. The 38-year-old knocked out Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in his last fight in a dominant performance. He expects to be able to compete for two more years. “I’ll fight until I’m 41,” Usyk told his Ready to Fight website. “Then I’ll build a sports academy. I’ll train there and train others.” A back injury sidelined Usyk for the rest of this year. But he is training and preparing to box. His targeted return is 2026. “Next year,” he said, “and, God willing, I’ll win.” But Usyk does not intend to fight rising star Moses Itauma, who is 20 years old, next. “No, I won’t fight Itauma [in the next fight]. He’s young – always teasing me. And he said himself he doesn’t hit grandpas!” Usyk said. “I can’t say who exactly because negotiations are ongoing. I’d be lying if I gave you a name.”

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Pardoned Inmates Are Still in Custody -AGF Fagbemi

The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi has clarified that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of the President’s power of prerogative of mercy has been released from custody. The process, according to him, remains at the final administrative stage, which includes a standard review to ensure that all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued. Fagbemi wrote; “It is important to note that the last stage of the exercise, after approval by the Council of State, is the issuance of the instrument for the implementation of the decision concerning each beneficiary. This stage affords an opportunity for a final look at the list for remedial purposes, if any, before the instrument is forwarded to the Controller-General of Corrections for necessary action. “This verification process is part of the standard protocol and reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.” Fagbemi appreciates the public’s vigilance and constructive feedback, which continue to strengthen institutional integrity. Public engagement is always welcome, as it demonstrates that Nigerians care deeply about justice and good governance. “There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy. As soon as all legal and procedural checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed. The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.”

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Tinubu Returns After Heads of Government Meeting in Rome

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja today after participating in the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government-level Meeting in Rome, Italy. The Aqaba Process, in a press statement by the President’s Media aide, Bayo Onanuga, is a counter-terrorism initiative launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan in 2015. It is co-chaired by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Government of Italy. The Rome edition focused on strengthening regional and international collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, with particular attention to West Africa. The high-level meeting was held on Wednesday, October 15, at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome. Many heads of State and Government attended, including King Abdullah II of Jordan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the Presidents of Nigeria, Chad, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Azouz Nasri, President of Algeria’s Upper House, delegations from Côte d’Ivoire, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Senegal, and Uzbekistan, special envoys, and security experts were also in attendance. The meeting was held behind closed doors. On the sidelines of the event, President Tinubu held bilateral meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Senior Adviser on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos. President Tinubu also met with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to discuss religious harmony in Nigeria. The meeting addressed the widespread disinformation campaigns that falsely portray the country as intolerant of religious diversity. Since its establishment in 2015, the Aqaba Process has convened 33 meetings at various levels, from Heads of State summits to technical expert sessions. It is built on three core pillars: prevention, coordination, and closing operational gaps in counterterrorism efforts.

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Taiwo Awoniyi’s Nottignham Forest Sacks Coach

Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Nottingham Forest – just 40 days and eight winless games since he was appointed manager. Forest lost 3-0 to Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime, their sixth defeat in his short reign which left them 17th in the Premier League table. The club have not won since the opening game of the season, under Nuno Espirito Santo, who was shown the door two games later. Postecoglou tried to implement a more attacking style of play than under Nuno, but his tenure began with defeat at Arsenal followed by an embarrassing 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat at Swansea, where they threw away a two-goal lead. This month’s Europa League defeat by Midtjylland at the City Ground, in front of owner Evangelos Marinakis, saw the home crowd turn on Postecoglou and – following defeats at Newcastle and now Chelsea – Marinakis has now wielded the axe. Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham despite leading the club to the Europa League title, as Spurs bosses deemed the club’s 17th-placed finish in the Premier League unacceptable.

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Lagos Police Smash Notorious Cars Snatching Armed Robbers

In a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against violent crimes in Lagos State, detectives and crack operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s Tactical Squads have successfully smashed a notorious and vicious armed robbery and car-snatching gang responsible for a series of violent attacks on vehicle owners. The suspects, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, specialized in entering vehicles as passengers and, while in transit, dispossessing the owners of their vehicles at gunpoint. The staement reads; “Between 0100hrs on 15th October 2025 and 0300hrs on 17th October 2025, intelligence-led operations carried out by the Command’s Tactical Squads led to the arrest of four (4) dangerous and confessed armed robbers at their hideout in Igando, Lagos State. “The suspects arrested Lagos State Police Command are: Taiwo Alabi “m”, 42 years; Ogedengbe Lowis “m”, 46 years; Ighodalo Enato Francis “m”, 37 years; and Osaro Eghe Abiodun “m”, 34 years. “During interrogation, the suspects confessed to having dispossessed vehicle owners of their cars at gunpoint and making away with the Lagos State Police Command vehicles. They have also been linked to several armed robbery incidents in Ogun, Oyo, and Edo States. “Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one (1) automatic pump-action shotgun, one (1) Beretta pistol, forty-eight (48) rounds of 9mm ammunition, forty-six (46) live cartridges, one (1) cutlass, assorted criminal charms, one (1) Toyota Sienna, two (2) Lexus ES350 salon cars, and one (1) Toyota Corolla salon car. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the modus operandi of the gang involved posing as passengers to enter commercial vehicles and later robbing unsuspecting private drivers of their vehicles at gunpoint. One of the vehicles was snatched in Lagos, while the others were reportedly robbed in Ogun, Oyo, and Edo States using the same modus operandi. “All the suspects were meticulously tracked, trailed, and arrested across the states mentioned above. The successful operation followed weeks of coordinated surveillance and intelligence gathering on the suspects.” Meanwhile, investigative efforts are being intensified to apprehend other gang members currently at large. The Lagos State Police Command remained fully committed to dismantling all forms of crime, criminality, and criminal syndicates in the State. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, hereby assured residents that the Command will continue to ensure peace, stability, and intelligence-led policing to rid the State of criminal elements.

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