Rivers Hoopers Show Character to Outclass Lagos Legends

Reigning Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) champions Rivers Hoopers put up a performance underlined by resilience and character, as they overturned a 4-point deficit at halftime to beat Lagos Legends 89-70 in the final game of the Atlantic Conference Phase Two. In what was essentially a battle for pride and supremacy, it was Lagos Legends who scored the game’s first points as they opened up an early lead that stretched to nine points at 26-17 by the end of the first quarter, which was characterised by near misses for the KingsMen. The KingsMen improved in their shot accuracy during the second quarter, as vice-captain Buchi Nwaiwu and Victor Sunday combined for fourteen points to cut the deficit to four points with the halftime score at 47-43. The halftime break offered Rivers Hoopers Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu the opportunity to make tactical tweaks, reinforcing how the team contained their opponents. “The first thing that I spoke about in the huddle today was transition defense, the need to get back on time quickly. We didn’t do that well. When we corrected it later on, the game changed [in our favour], but in the first half they killed us on the transition offense. “It’s something that we’re definitely going to work on going forward,” he revealed. The KingsMen responded positively to Odaudu’s halftime instructions and, buoyed by the vociferous crowd, came out with much verve in the third. Samuel Sani showed outstanding industry, scoring big points along with vital rebounds. But it was John Idoga who got the crowd rocking with a game-tying shot from deep to level the score at 61-61, before Abdul Malik sent the arena into a frenzy with the last sequence of the third quarter, sinking one free throw followed by a brilliant layup to hand the hosts the lead for the first time with the score at 64-61. From that moment on, it was one-way traffic as Malik’s energy inspired the team to an outstanding performance in the fourth quarter, during which they restricted their opponents to just nine (9) points while scoring twenty-five (25) to close out the game at 89-70. Speaking after the game, Odaudu could not hide his admiration for his standout performers. “I am very proud of both of them, Malik and especially Favour [Komene]. They changed the tempo and the dynamic of the game. They are my two MVPs for today’s game. These are people who hadn’t seen major minutes in all the games, but they stepped up when it mattered most and helped us out. He further said such mentality shown by Malik and Favour is what makes Rivers Hoopers formidable. “That’s how it’s supposed to be. There’s no specific day, and there’s no particular person who is a hero on this team. Anybody can wake up any day and bail us out, and that’s what Milk did today,” he pointed out. Buchi Nwaiwu alongside John Idoga, top-scored for the KingsMen with fifteen points, while Sani (14) and Victor Sunday (12) also hit double figures. The result meant Rivers Hoopers completed Phase Two of the Atlantic Conference with a perfect record, much to the delight of the team’s gaffer, who also pointed out some areas for improvement. “I’m happy that it was a clean sweep, but I’m also not happy with the way we played. It wasn’t entirely convincing. I don’t think the scoreline reflected the true situation of the game. We started off really badly with too many mistakes; we missed too many open baskets, so it’s something that we have to go back to the drawing board and work on. In all, I’m happy that we won, and we’ll move on from there.” Attention now shifts to Phase Three of the NBPL 2025 season which will see the top four teams from both Conferences gather for the Playoffs at a yet to be named venue.

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Veteran Nollywood Actor Duro Michael Passes Away

Veteran Nollywood actor Duro Michael has passed away after a long battle with health complications. He had withdrawn from acting in recent years due to illness and died on Tuesday, with the news confirmed on Thursday by his colleague and filmmaker, Stanleyontop. Michael had faced severe complications from diabetes, which led to the amputation of one of his legs. Following the surgery, he appealed to the public for support to afford treatment and a prosthetic limb. He is now gone, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Nollywood.

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NAFDAC Seals Chinese Supermarkets And Cosmetics Shops In Abuja Over N170m Worth Of Illegal Products

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed two Chinese supermarkets in Abuja’s Jabi District and eight cosmetics shops in Wuse Market for violating regulations on the sale, labelling, and distribution of controlled products. The move was confirmed in a press release on Friday signed by the agency’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Adegboyega Osiyemi. NAFDAC disclosed that its enforcement team seized products worth over N170 million during the operation, which was carried out under the directive of the Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye. The exercise was led by officials of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, alongside members of the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Substandard Medicines and Unwholesome Processed Foods, headed by Assistant Chief Regulatory Officer, Musa Embugushiki. The agency explained that the supermarkets, located on Mike Akhigbe Way and Ebitu Ukiwe Street, were shut down following consumer complaints and surveillance that exposed the sale of unregistered food items labelled only in Chinese—contrary to NAFDAC’s mandatory labelling policy, which requires English translations for the Nigerian market. One of the outlets initially denied being operational, but investigators confirmed it was running fully and selling unregistered products. At Wuse Market, eight cosmetics shops were also sealed for selling banned, expired, and unregistered items, including aphrodisiacs and aesthetic medicines. NAFDAC revealed that some individuals were posing as dermatologists and pharmacists, prescribing and selling harmful products for skin whitening, body enhancement, and sexual performance. Items confiscated include Wenicks Capsules, Maxman Capsules, Boobs Enlargement, Curvy Weight Gain, Skin Whitening Vitamin Gummies, Collagen, Royal Jelly, Glutathione Whitening Gummies, White Doll, Dr. Gallery Plus, Maiz Zaki Syrup, Original Herbal Yellow Fever, Sickle Cell Medicine, Dr. Nafisa Herbal Medicine, Dynewell Syrup, and White Blinks. Prof. Adeyeye warned that such products expose users to serious health dangers such as kidney damage, skin cancer, irritability, and memory loss. She reaffirmed NAFDAC’s determination to protect Nigerians from harmful substances and urged consumers to patronise only duly registered products. The agency further advised foreign nationals and investors wishing to import or sell products in Nigeria to visit NAFDAC offices for proper registration and regulatory guidance.  

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Oluwo of Iwo’s Ex Wife, Chanel Chin Breaks Silence, Clears Ooni Of Ife And Accuses Oluwo Of Neglect

Chanel Chin, former wife of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has dismissed the monarch’s recent claims and clarified that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, had no role in her marriage. In a recent interview, Chin recounted her turbulent experience at the palace, saying she endured challenges that ultimately forced her to leave with her son. She alleged that they were expelled under pressure and denied access to most of their belongings. According to her, the Oluwo often justified his conduct by citing his royal status. “I’ll catch him red-handed. He will say, but I’m a king, I’m allowed. Nobody will say anything because I’m allowed to as a king. So what can I do? It’s just me and my baby. Then when I go and consult with older women in Yoruba culture, they will say, ‘Olori, just put it to God. You don’t leave your husband in Yoruba. You don’t leave your husband’s house.’” Chin explained that her foreign upbringing made it difficult for her to understand certain traditions. “My father is Jamaican. My mother is British. I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. I don’t know anything about juju until I came to Iwo,” she said. She further recalled being given only one hour to pack before leaving the palace. “For that five months, me and my baby were walking along in Lagos with our luggage. I had 60 minutes to pack four years of my life. He had police standing over me while I wasn’t allowed to take any of my clothes, all my wigs, my makeup, my hair. He said to leave it. It’s for the next Olori. This is our culture.” Reacting to the monarch’s accusations, Chin stressed that her introduction to Oba Akanbi was through a respected Lagos ruler, not the Ooni of Ife. She also accused the Oluwo of neglecting their son, Prince Oduduwa. “The Oluwo had been absent from his son’s life for over five years. He only resurfaced in August this year in Canada, refused to sign passport papers but dropped $500, the first support Oduduwa ever received from him since we left the palace,” she said. Chin called on the public to ignore false claims targeting the Ooni of Ife and urged traditional leaders to caution the Oluwo. She concluded, “This shall be my final statement on the matter.” Olori Chanel Chin, ex-wife of Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi reveals her story while staying with Oluwo in Iwo pic.twitter.com/B2ojtL344e — Tobi Adisa (@deeduke1) October 2, 2025

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Osimhen, Iwobi Return As Chelle Names 23-Man Squad For World Cup Qualifiers

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has announced a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic, with Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi returning to the team. Osimhen, who recently joined Galatasaray, missed Nigeria’s last outing — a 1-1 draw with South Africa — after picking up an injury in the 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo. Fulham midfielder Iwobi also makes the cut as Chelle looks to strengthen the midfield for the must-win games. Nigeria currently sits third in Group C with 11 points, three behind South Africa and Benin Republic, with two matches left. However, the Super Eagles were handed a boost after FIFA stripped South Africa of three points for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in their March 21, 2025 victory over Lesotho. The squad also features captain William Troost-Ekong, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, and Tolu Arokodare. Terem Moffi, Semi Ajayi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun return to the fold, while Sevilla striker Akor Adams has earned his first senior call-up. Squad List Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos, Greece) Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender, Belgium) Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey) Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (Nice, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)

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Soludo Insists Detained Native Doctors Must Face Trial Before Any Consideration For Pardon

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has clarified that he cannot intervene in the release of detained native doctors in the state until their trial is completed. The individuals — Chigozie Nwangu, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki from Oba, Eke Hit from Okija, and Onyeze Jesus from Nkpor — were arrested in February on allegations of preparing charms for suspected criminals, promoting get-rich-quick schemes, and deceiving youths with promises of wealth without work. During a visit to Oba, the hometown of Nwangu, some youths pleaded with the governor to secure his freedom, describing him as a respected figure in the community. Responding, Soludo stressed that the matter is already in court and outside his direct control. “You are asking for the release of Akwa Okuko, but I want to say that there is a process. There is a process for me to follow, and there is a process for the court to follow too. Where we are now is the process of the court,” he said. While acknowledging their concerns, he warned that the activities of the accused had negatively shaped the mindset of many young people. “What we should be praying for is a speedy trial. If he is found guilty and convicted, after that, your leaders can meet with me, and we can discuss the possibility of a pardon. But until the judicial process is concluded, my hands are tied,” he added. The governor also called on youths to support government efforts in tackling drug abuse, kidnapping, and the obsession with “fast money,” stressing that his administration is committed to reviving the values of hard work and integrity across Anambra communities.  

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2Baba Denies London Arrest Rumour, Explains Concert Cancellation Was Due To Medical Emergency

Afrobeats star Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia has refuted reports that he was arrested in London following a clash with his wife, Natasha Osawaru. The speculation was triggered after blogger Tosin Silverdam alleged that Natasha smashed bottles during an argument with the singer in a taxi, leading to his supposed arrest. The claim quickly went viral ahead of his scheduled London concert on Thursday, October 2. Responding in a video shared on Instagram, 2Baba appeared with Natasha and close friends, laughing off the rumour. One associate teased him, saying, “Oh boy, dem don alleged you. Allegedly, dem say you way dey here, allegedly, dem don alleged you.” Addressing the real reason behind his cancelled show, the ‘African Queen’ singer explained that he had suffered a health emergency. “First of all, I want to say everyone that came out, I appreciate you. We had a medical emergency, it was tough. To the organizers and everyone that came out, we go regroup and make something beautiful happen. And please, if una no sabi something, make una no talk abeg. This allegedly, I don tire,” he said. 2Baba and Natasha tied the knot traditionally on July 25, following his separation from actress Annie Idibia. With no police record supporting the arrest claims, his statement has reassured fans concerned about the cancelled London concert.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by 2Baba World (@2babaworld)

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Aiguobasinmwin Movement Declares Josephine Ebhaguejezele Ineligible For Iyeki Title Under Benin Tradition

Aiguobasinmwin Movement Declares Josephine Ebhaguejezele Ineligible For Iyeki Title Under Benin Tradition

The Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide has dismissed the inauguration of Josephine Ebhaguejezele as Iyaloja (Iyeki) in Edo State, insisting that she is unqualified under Benin customs to occupy the revered position. In a statement signed by its President, Iyamu Osaro, and Secretary-General, Osayuki-Osa Benson, the organisation described the Iyeki as an age-old cultural institution of the Benin Kingdom that cannot be reshaped by politics or individual ambitions. The group explained that the title is strictly reserved for Benin women who are elected by fellow traders across markets, after which the apex Iyeki is formally presented to the Oba of Benin for royal blessings and spiritual rites. “It is worthy to note that for anyone to be eligible for the position of Iyeki, one must be a Benin woman,” the statement declared. Citing the pronouncement of Oba Ewuare II, the movement urged the public to disregard the reported inauguration, stressing that Ebhaguejezele “lacks the eligibility of becoming Iyeki because she is not a Benin woman.” The group further warned against political interference in cultural matters, insisting that the Iyeki remains a custodian of Benin traditions and “cannot be changed by politicians or anybody.” It also called on Benin women to immediately begin the process of selecting their Iyeki in line with custom, ahead of her eventual presentation to the royal palace.  

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