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Katsina United Declares Uche Collins AWOL Amid NPFL Controversy

Katsina United is facing a fresh challenge in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after forward Uche Collins was declared absent without official leave (AWOL). The club’s chairman, Surajo Umar Baba, confirmed that Collins has not been seen since the team’s league clash with Rangers International on February 22, 2026, at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, marking the last official contact with the player. Katsina United described the player’s disappearance as a serious breach of contract rather than a routine issue, noting that Collins remains under contract with the club until the end of the 2026/2027 season. “Uche Collins is a registered player of Katsina United. He has not been granted permission to be absent, and his failure to report for duties constitutes a violation of his professional obligations,” the chairman said. The club also cautioned other teams against engaging or attempting to sign Collins without following proper transfer protocols, including securing an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) where necessary, warning that any violation could lead to legal action. Collins’ absence is a significant setback for the “Chanji Boys,” as he has been one of the squad’s most influential players over the last two seasons.

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Osun to Host Nigeria’s Table Tennis Elite

From April 12 to April 17, 2026, the ancient town of Otan Ayegbaju will once again pulse with energy as it becomes the epicenter of Nigerian table tennis. The iconic Idera Multipurpose Hall will play host to the 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament — a championship that has grown into one of the nation’s most prestigious sporting events. Founded in honour of the late Michael and Felicia Alabi, the tournament has transcended its memorial roots to become a powerful platform for nurturing future champions. Over the years, it has given rising talents the chance to shine on the national stage while offering seasoned athletes an arena to reaffirm their dominance. Today, it stands as a vital bridge between grassroots participation and elite competition, embodying resilience, inclusivity, and excellence. The 2026 edition promises to be the grandest yet. More than 250 players from all 36 states of Nigeria will converge in Otan Ayegbaju, transforming the town into a vibrant hub of sporting brilliance. Young prospects, seasoned professionals, veterans, para-athletes, and deaf athletes will compete side by side, underscoring the tournament’s unwavering commitment to unity and equal opportunity. Categories span from U-15 singles to veteran, para, and deaf divisions, ensuring that every athlete has a stage to showcase their skill and determination. Beyond the competition, the tournament is expected to draw coaches, scouts, administrators, and enthusiasts from across the country, reinforcing its reputation as a pipeline for Nigerian table tennis talent. For six days, Otan Ayegbaju will not only elevate its sporting profile but also experience a surge in local economic activity, with hotels, businesses, and transport services preparing to welcome guests for this week-long spectacle. Most importantly, the youth of the host community will witness firsthand the intensity of high-level competition — an experience that could ignite dreams and inspire the next generation of champions. As anticipation builds, fans and stakeholders alike are preparing for six days of electrifying rallies, tactical brilliance, and unforgettable moments. Come April, all eyes will turn to Otan Ayegbaju. Here, champions will rise, legacies will be honored, and history will once again be written. Proudly supported by the Osun State Government, the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation, and the Osun State Table Tennis Association, the 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Tournament is not merely a competition — it is a celebration of unity, diversity, and the enduring spirit of Nigerian sport.

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IG Appoints Okon Placid as Force PRO

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, NPM has approved the appointment of DCP Anthony Okon Placid, as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO). DCP Placid, is a seasoned officer of the Nigeria Police Force with extensive experience in administration, operations, intelligence, training, and international peacekeeping. Born on 2 December 1970 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he hails from Mbiokporo Nsit, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (M.A.L.D) from the University of Jos and studied Law at the National Open University of Nigeria forstudied Bachelor of Laws (LL.B). He was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Police Academy, Kano, in 1996, and was commissioned in August 1998. He has attended several professional and international courses, including United Nations Peace Operations Specialised Training (POST), with certifications as expert in Police Studies, Military Studies, Gender Awareness, International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights, and Civilian Protection. UNITAR Senior Leadership and Peacebuilding course in Kenya DCP Placid has served in various strategic capacities within and outside the country, including Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adamawa State; PPRO, Police Staff College, Jos; Chief of Training, African Union Mission in Sudan; Head of Training and Development, United Nations Mission in Darfur; Divisional Police Officer in Federal Housing Calabar, Bakassi, Uruan, and Gembu; Officer-in-Charge, Anti-Robbery Unit, Kaduna State; African Union Election Security Adviser; Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Akwa Ibom and Kogi States; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Department, Abia State; and Deputy in charge of Administration and Finance, Zone 3 Headquarters, Yola. DCP Anthony Placid is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Commonwealth Human Rights Trainer and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Trainer on International Humanitarian Law. He is a graduate of the Senior Executive Course (SEC 47) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and was inducted as a Member of the National Institute (mni) on 13 December 2025, prior to his redeployment to Cross River State. He is happily married with children. His hobbies include listening to good music, playing football, basketball, table tennis, badminton, and engaging with people. DCP Placid can be reached on 07031179186.

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Nigerian-Born Ugo Ugochukwu Claims FIA Formula 3 Victory In Melbourne

Nigerian-American racing sensation Ugo Ugochukwu stunned motorsport fans on Sunday by winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship race in Melbourne, Australia, BSNSports.com.ng reports. The young driver showcased remarkable skill at the iconic Albert Park Circuit, seizing the top podium spot and cementing his status as one of the most promising talents in international racing. Born in New York City to Nigerian supermodel Oluchi Onweagba and an Italian father, Ugochukwu has maintained strong ties to his Nigerian heritage while rising through the competitive ranks of global motorsport. Before breaking through in Formula 3, he made waves in junior categories, finishing third in the British F4 Championship with Carlin and claiming runner-up in the 2023 Italian F4 Championship for Prema Racing. He also competed in the Formula Regional European Championship, steadily building the experience and reputation that has now propelled him to the top of Formula 3.

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Ex Lagos Councillor Arrested As NDLEA Recovers 40kg Of Skunk In Ibeju-Lekki Home

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a former councillor in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Sheleru Olalekan, over his alleged involvement in drug trafficking. Olalekan, 45, who previously served two terms as councillor representing the Orimedu community and now works as a legislative aide, was apprehended on March 2, 2026, at his home in Ilado, Ibeju-Lekki. The agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that officers recovered 40 kilograms of skunk, a potent form of cannabis, from one of the rooms during a search of the residence. “In his statement, Sheleru admitted ownership of the exhibit and the property where it was recovered. “He said he had previously served two terms as a Councilor representing Orimedu community in Ibeju-Lekki local government council,” Babafemi said. In another operation in the Federal Capital Territory, NDLEA operatives on March 3 arrested a 32-year-old trader, Emeka Hyginus Okwor, who was travelling from Obollo-Afor in Enugu State to Zuba in Abuja. During a search of his luggage, officers found 1,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg concealed inside baby diapers. The suspect reportedly admitted he was transporting the drugs to Guduwa village in Gurara Local Government Area, where he operates a provision store. “On same day, 3rd of March, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Kabba/Obajana highway, Kogi State, intercepted a consignment of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 1.550kg concealed inside a standing fan carton belonging to 36-year-old Cameroonian, Mey Ali Muhamat who hails from Maroua, Republic of Cameroon. The suspect was travelling in a commercial bus from Lagos to Cameroon enroute Lokoja, Kano and Maiduguri,” the statement added. Meanwhile, in Niger State, NDLEA officers on March 4 intercepted a commercial bus along the Mokwa–Jebba road travelling from Ibadan and discovered 500 components used for improvised explosive devices hidden in a sack.

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Sarah Martins Apologises To Lagos Government Over Cooking For Street Children On Roadside

Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has responded to concerns raised by the Lagos State Government over her cooking activity on a roadside while feeding children. In a lengthy post shared on Instagram, the actress explained that the cooking did not happen on a walkway or busy road as some reports suggested. According to her, the activity took place “in front of the King’s Palace under the supervision of security personnel.” Martins said the visit was driven by emotion and her long-standing relationship with vulnerable children in the area. “The visit was simply born out of an emotional moment. I had deeply missed the bond I share with the vulnerable street children in that area. As I occasionally drive past that axis, the children often plead with me to come back and cook with them like I used to. On this particular day, I decided to spend some time with them and prepare a meal, purely to reconnect and create memories with the kids who have always shown me genuine love.” She also mentioned that Seyi Tinubu had previously supported her foundation by providing a charity kitchen to ensure feeding programmes are carried out in an organised setting. “I would also like to emphasise that Mr Seyi Tinubu (@seyitinubu) generously empowered my foundation with a charity kitchen, specifically to ensure that our feeding programs are conducted in a proper, organised environment. I do not take his generosity for granted, and my foundation has remained committed to using the charity kitchen for our regular feeding initiatives.” Martins stressed that her return to the location was not meant to disrupt public order but to share a moment with children who often ask for her. “My brief return to that location was never intended to create any form of public nuisance, but to share a heartfelt moment with children who have continued to ask for my presence. However, if my actions were perceived as inappropriate in any way, I sincerely apologise. I hold the laws and environmental standards of Lagos State in the highest regard.” She assured authorities that future cooking activities linked to her charity work will be conducted strictly inside the kitchen facility provided for her foundation. “Going forward, I will ensure that all cooking activities are carried out strictly within the charity kitchen provided for the foundation. Thank you for your understanding and for the great work your office continues to do in maintaining environmental order in Lagos State.” The actress ended her statement by reiterating her respect for the laws of Lagos State while maintaining that the brief street cooking session was not intended to create any form of disturbance.

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Israeli Air Strikes Ignite Fires At Tehran Oil Facilities As War Casualties Climb

Thick smoke covered parts of Tehran after Israeli air strikes struck key Iranian oil facilities for the first time since the outbreak of the war, leaving at least four people dead. The conflict involving Israel and the United States against Iran entered its ninth day on Sunday. Officials say the violence has claimed more than 1,300 lives in Iran and about 300 in Lebanon, while around a dozen people have been killed in Israel. Iran’s Fars news agency reported that Saturday’s bombardment sparked huge fires after four oil storage depots and an oil transfer centre were hit in Tehran and nearby Alborz province. Iranian state media described the incident as “an attack from the US and the Zionist regime”. Among the sites targeted were the Aghdasieh oil warehouse in northeast Tehran, the Tehran refinery in the southern part of the capital, the Shahran oil depot in western Tehran, and another oil facility in Karaj city. Witnesses said crude from the Shahran depot spilled into surrounding streets following the strike. Fars reported that at least four tanker drivers were killed in the attacks across Tehran and Alborz. Despite the damage, authorities said fuel distribution across the country remains stable while emergency teams continue battling the fires. Israel confirmed carrying out the operation, stating that “a number of fuel storage facilities in Tehran” were hit because they were allegedly used “to operate military infrastructure”. “This is not the first time. Back in June, during the 12-day war, we saw fuel depots being targeted, but this is unprecedented,” Asadi said. “We are dealing with a critical situation in terms of war and environmental circumstances in the capital.” He said black droplets appeared on his windows early Sunday morning, raising fears of polluted air in the city. “There is a high risk of being surrounded by toxic air.” Asadi also warned about increasing civilian casualties as the attacks intensify. “Three days ago, the tally was at about 1,300, but we know that in the past days, intensive strikes targeting Iranian territory have continued, so it’s likely that the number has gone up.” Al Jazeera correspondent Mohamed Vall, reporting from Tehran, said the strikes on oil facilities could be aimed at creating panic among Iranians. “The Israelis are probably planning to cause a situation of crisis in terms of fuel in Iran, and Iranians will consider this as an act of aggression and terrorism,” Vall said. He added that the attacks may also be intended to limit the mobility of Iranian troops, though Iran’s vast number of oil installations means the strike may not necessarily cause a nationwide fuel shortage.

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Nigerian Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie Cleared Of Match-Fixing Allegations By Tanzanian Club

Tanzanian side Singida Black Stars has officially cleared Nigerian goalkeeper Amas Obasogie of all match-fixing and gambling claims. The Super Eagles reserve goalkeeper, who had been suspended for three months pending investigation, was declared innocent in a statement released on Saturday by the club’s CEO, Jonathan Kassano. Obasogie faced allegations after a series of mistakes on the field, and the club’s disciplinary committee had initially taken action while looking into the claims. Following a preliminary investigation into his performances in league and continental matches, the club found no evidence of wrongdoing. The statement confirmed that the incidents in question were technical errors rather than deliberate misconduct. “After reviewing the player’s defense and obtaining a reliable statement from the Club’s General Manager, it has been determined that there is no evidence of match-fixing or gambling. The incidents that raised concerns were technical errors within the game,” the statement read. Obasogie has apologized for his performances, and his suspension has been lifted. He has now resumed his duties with the team. “In light of this, the Club has reversed the previous decision to suspend the player for three months, allowing him to continue his responsibilities with the squad,” the club added. Obasogie joined Singida Black Stars a year ago from the Ethiopian League and has been part of the team since.

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