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Favour Ashe Quits Nigeria Athletics For Qatar Over Neglect, Poor Support

Nigerian sprinter Favour Ashe has confirmed he is set to compete for Qatar, bringing an end to his time under Nigeria’s athletics system. The U.S.-based 100m runner disclosed that he has been in Qatar for about five months and has decided to pursue his future there after growing disillusioned with the treatment of athletes back home. Known for his blistering 9.79-second personal best, Ashe said years of insufficient backing and what he termed disrespect from sports authorities pushed him toward the move. “I am heading for a country where athletes are treated with respect and rewarded for their efforts,” he said. Although he has not yet opened his 2026 season, Ashe revealed that Qatar’s athletics federation has already drawn up a structured programme for him and other recruits, including plans to kick off their campaign in South Africa. “The Qatar federation is taking us to South Africa to begin our season there. This is something Nigeria will never do,” he stated. He added that several young Nigerian athletes are currently training within Qatar’s system, with the aim of assembling a dominant 4x100m relay team largely built around Nigerian-born sprinters. Sunday Akintan, who recently clocked 6.48 seconds indoors, is also believed to have switched allegiance as part of the same recruitment effort. Insiders say more Nigerian athletes, including some presently preparing for the Commonwealth Games, are exploring similar options in search of better funding, exposure and consistent competition. Ashe explained that his frustration intensified during the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, where he was disqualified from the 100m final while representing Team Delta. “Those who have the opportunity to leave are not looking back,” he warned. “Soon Nigeria will be hit by an exodus of athletes. Some are even ready to run for other African countries that can offer them proper compensation and regular competitions.” A Delta State Sports Commission official, speaking anonymously, said the commission had not been formally informed of Ashe’s switch. It also remains unclear whether he benefited from training grants reportedly distributed this year by the National Sports Commission. His decision follows a similar move by Favour Ofili, who changed allegiance to Turkey after accusing officials of ill treatment during preparations for the Paris Olympics.

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Natasha Idibia Shares Loved-Up Photos With 2Baba After Romantic Valentine Surprise

Natasha Idibia has given fans a glimpse into her romance with legendary singer 2Baba after posting loved-up photos of the two sharing a passionate kiss. The intimate snapshots, shared on her social media page, appeared to send a clear message to critics, as she proudly flaunted their affection and unity. Her post comes shortly after 2Baba organised a lavish Valentine’s Day surprise for her, decorating their room with balloons, flowers and other romantic touches. The gesture left Natasha visibly emotional and appreciative. Expressing her gratitude, she made it clear that she would choose her husband over and over again, reaffirming the deep connection and commitment they share.

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Carter Efe Explains Why He Stopped Attending Church Over Fear Of Money-Seeking Pastors

Carter Efe has stirred debate online after explaining why he no longer attends church. In a video shared on social media, the skit maker said he is wary of certain pastors, accusing them of forming personal bonds with church members only to later demand financial assistance. He claimed that some clergy members gradually begin to request money or household items once they become friendly with congregants, suggesting that their intentions are not always spiritual. He said: “Pastor go dey show you love dey call you for afternoon and evening. Before you know pastor go dey tell you say ‘can you give me money for fuel?’ before you know pastor go tell you say ‘i want to cook beans, I need oil’. Before you know pastor go dey collect money for your hand na why I dey fear. Na why I no dey go church. I dey fear all this pastors, if them turn you to friend, them go just dey collect money for your hand…” The remarks have sparked divided opinions across social media platforms. While some users supported his stance, arguing that a number of pastors focus more on financial gains than spiritual guidance, others faulted him for painting all religious leaders with the same brush. Carterefe explained why he doesn’t go to church on Sundays: Nigerian pastors start calling your phone by afternoon, and next thing you know, they’re asking for fuel money 😂💔 pic.twitter.com/UOFGeikNB2 — Carterefe Updates🌚 (@Carterefeupdate) February 15, 2026

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We’ll Count The Person If They Don’t Count Our Votes – Peter Obi Warns Ahead Of 2027 Polls

Peter Obi has called on Nigerians to remain watchful and safeguard their votes during the 2027 general elections, warning that any attempt to alter results at polling units must be resisted. The former presidential candidate and prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress spoke in Akwa Ibom State as members of the ObIdient Movement in the state formally declared support for the party. While addressing supporters at the gathering, Obi underscored the importance of transparency and citizen involvement in the electoral process. “In that polling booth in 2027, if they don’t count it, we count the person,” he stated. Earlier, the Independent National Electoral Commission unveiled the official timetable for the elections. The presidential and National Assembly polls are scheduled for February 20, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections will follow on March 6, 2027.

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Omotola Jalade Ekeinde Says She Didn’t Return Car Gifted To Her While Married

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has stirred reactions online after sharing that she once accepted a car gift while already married. The Nollywood star made the revelation during an interview on Naija FM 102.7, where she strongly defended the influence of women in the film industry. Contrary to claims that women do not dominate Nollywood, she insisted that they form the driving force behind its success. “Women are the ones who hold Nollywood,” she said, explaining that many actresses operate as producers, brand owners, influencers, and entrepreneurs. She added that several women in the industry juggle acting with other thriving businesses and even structured careers outside entertainment. However, it was her disclosure about receiving luxury gifts that drew the most attention. “Women have admirers,” she said. “Me, who is married, I know how many people have gifted me things, women and men. They’ll just see me and say, ‘Omotola, I’m sending you this.’ They’ve gifted me a car before.” When asked whether she returned the vehicle because she was married, she responded, “No, why would I return the car?” She credited her husband’s confidence for the calm way such gestures are handled, describing him as “the most secure human being you can ever meet.” With a touch of humour, she added, “Think about it, how would you marry an Omosexy if you’re not secure?”

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Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kering Triumphs At 2026 Lagos City Marathon, Wins $50,000

Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kering captured the $50,000 top prize after claiming victory at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday. Kering completed the 2026 Gold Label race in 2:11:55, underscoring the marathon’s status as one of Africa’s most lucrative road events. The men’s competition was closely fought, with Uganda’s Lomoi Samuel challenging Kering until the final metres, finishing just four seconds behind in 2:11:59 to earn the $20,000 runner-up prize. Another Ugandan, Namutala Lumbasi, finished third in 2:12:25, taking home $15,000. Boyi Nyango was the first Nigerian finisher in the men’s race, recording a time of 2:25:32. In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meleka took the crown in 2:37:36, narrowly edging out Kenya’s Cheyech Daniel, who finished in 2:37:43, while Ethiopia’s Zewdalem Getaw placed third in 2:38:59. Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the organisers for sustaining the marathon’s global prominence. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the event, highlighting its current World Athletics Gold Label status and ambitions to achieve Platinum Label recognition. “We are happy to host one of the biggest marathons in the world. The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is currently a Gold Label race, and we will do everything in our power to achieve the Platinum Label, the highest rank,” Hamzat said. Deborah Badung made history as the first Nigerian woman to complete this year’s race, finishing in 2:55:46. The marathon continues to combine elite competition with grassroots development and corporate investment in sports. Access Bank had previously outlined the elite prize structure, awarding $50,000 to winners in both men’s and women’s races, while Nigerian elite athletes compete for prizes ranging from N2 million for first place to N50,000 for tenth.

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Late Musician Ifunanya Nwangene Buried In Enugu After Tragic Snake Bite Death

The late singer Ifunanya Nwangene has been buried in her hometown in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, following her untimely death. Nwangene reportedly died after being bitten by a snake at her residence in Abuja on January 31, 2026. Her passing, confirmed at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, sent shockwaves through the music community and drew an outpouring of condolences across social media. Fans and colleagues remembered her as a supremely talented musician with a powerful voice and deep passion for her craft. Her sudden death has left many in mourning, particularly those who had followed her rising career in the entertainment industry. Her burial in Enugu marked a solemn farewell to a young artist whose life and promising career were tragically cut short.

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Suspected Boko Haram Terrorists Parade Over 100 Abducted Kwara Residents In Disturbing Video

A chilling video allegedly released by suspected Boko Haram insurgents has surfaced online, showing a large number of abducted residents, including women and children, said to have been taken from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The incident comes after a deadly attack in the area earlier this month in which over 200 people were reportedly killed. In the widely circulated footage, an armed man is seen questioning the captives about their origin, with the victims stating they were kidnapped from Kaiama LGA. The individual speaking in the video also accused the administration of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of misrepresenting the scale of the abduction. According to him, the state government had publicly claimed that between 20 and 30 persons were kidnapped, a figure he described as false, alleging that the number of captives in their custody was far higher. “The Kwara State government lied to Nigeria and to the whole world,” the terrorist claimed. “The infidel government lied about your number to be around 20 to 30 people.” Efforts to obtain official reactions were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, and the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, had not responded to inquiries regarding the video or ongoing rescue efforts.

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