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Tag: Nigeria

2026 ITTF World Championships: Nigeria Draws Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, South Africa

Fola Badmus04 mins

Nigeria has been drawn alongside Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa in Group 15 of the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals, set to take place in London from April 28 to May 10, 2026. The draw, held today at The Shard, marked the beginning of a historic celebration of 100 years of the World Championships. “From London to London, we have come full circle,” said ITTF President Petra Sörling. “England has hosted the World Championships on seven occasions, but returning to where it all began makes this centenary edition truly special. This event is already historic, but I am confident it will also be unforgettable.” The Quadri Aruna-led men’s team will face tough opposition from Asian giants Hong Kong, who boast some of the finest young players in the world, as well as Middle Eastern powerhouse Saudi Arabia and continental rivals South Africa. In the women’s category, Fatimo Bello will captain Nigeria in Group 11, where they will battle against Australia, Uzbekistan, and Wales. African champions Egypt, led by Omar Assar, received a favourable draw in the men’s event, facing Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Thailand. Rising star Hana Goda will lead Egypt’s women’s team against Algeria, South Africa, and Syria. Reigning champions China, winners of the last 11 editions, headline Group 1 alongside host nation England, five-time winners Sweden, and Korea Republic. France, silver medallists at the last edition, will face Japan, Germany, and Chinese Taipei in Group 2 as they bid to lift the Swaythling Cup for the first time. In the women’s competition, hosts England were drawn in Group 2 with Japan, Germany, and France, while China, 23-time Corbillon Cup winners, lead Group 1 against Korea Republic, Chinese Taipei, and Romania. The draw ceremony was attended by ITTF President and IOC Member Petra Sörling, ITTF Executive Vice President Beatrice Romanescu, World Table Tennis CEO Steve Dainton, Chair of Table Tennis International Events Richard Scruton, Table Tennis England Chair Clare Briegal MBE, Table Tennis England President and World Championship medallist Jill Parker MBE, England men’s athlete and three-time Olympian Paul Drinkhall, ITTF Nominations Committee Chair Sandra Deaton, and UK Sport Deputy Director Esther Britten MBE. The top eight seeds in each competition will contest Stage 1a at OVO Arena Wembley from May 2–3, with all teams progressing to Stage 2. Group performances will determine seedings for the knockout rounds. Stage 1b will take place at the Copper Box Arena from April 28–May 1, where 56 teams in each competition will battle for the remaining 24 places in the Main Draw. London 2026 marks 100 years since the first World Championships were held in the city in 1926, making this the most significant edition in the event’s history.  

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President Bola Tinubu Arrives In Türkiye For State Visit To Boost Bilateral Relations

Wale busari03 mins

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Türkiye for a state visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the Turkish Republic. The President landed at Ankara Esenboğan Airport at 9:05 p.m. local time on Monday, the State House media office confirmed. He was welcomed by a Turkish government delegation led by Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin. According to Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit will focus on expanding cooperation in key sectors including security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation. The two countries are also expected to engage in strategic discussions on finance, trade, investment, and communication. The agenda includes high-level meetings between officials from both nations and the signing of memoranda of understanding covering scientific research, energy, technical collaboration, media and communications, military cooperation, and protocol. A business forum will also bring together investors from Nigeria and Türkiye to explore opportunities for mutual benefit. The Presidency noted that Tinubu’s visit is a reciprocal gesture following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s official visit to Nigeria from October 19 to 20, 2021. Members of the Nigerian delegation accompanying the President include Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar; Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Defence Christopher Musa; and Chairman of the House Committee on Defence Jimi Benson. Also part of the team are Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Mohammed Mohammed. President Tinubu is scheduled to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the visit.

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Sunday Igboho Returns To Nigeria After Removal From Wanted List, Praises Tinubu And Oba Ladoja

Wale busari04 mins

Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has returned to Nigeria following the removal of his name from the country’s wanted list. Igboho arrived from self-exile in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and was warmly received at his Soka, Ibadan residence by supporters, Muslim clerics, and well-wishers, who offered prayers for his safe return as well as for President Bola Tinubu and the traditional rulers who helped secure his freedom. The activist, visibly emotional, recounted the difficulties he faced under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, when he was declared wanted, denied a Nigerian passport, and had his bank accounts frozen despite favorable court rulings. His return marks another homecoming after fleeing Nigeria on July 1, 2021, following a raid on his Ibadan residence by a combined team of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army over alleged stockpiling of arms and ammunition. Igboho had previously returned briefly to Nigeria in 2024 for his late mother’s burial. This time, he proceeded to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where he was warmly welcomed by supporters. Oba Ladoja prayed for his success and praised his resilience. In a speech at the palace, Igboho expressed gratitude to God, the President, and traditional leaders for their support. He said, “I’m grateful to God Almighty for this day. I’m also grateful to our President. Baba Olubadan Ladoja was instrumental to my final freedom. Since the day I was in Cotonou, he has been checking up on me as a son. Baba Adebanjo also helped me. Baba Ladoja spoke with elders in Yoruba Land and coordinated with the President to ensure my clearance.” He added, “He told me to pack my load and return home. I never thought I would come back. I’m very happy, which is why I have come to pay homage to Baba Ladoja. I’m sincerely grateful to President Bola Tinubu.” Igboho also called for unity among Yoruba people, saying, “My advice to Yoruba people is for us to unite so that we can take our region to greater heights. I’m confident that President Bola Tinubu is making efforts to improve security.”

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iShowSpeed Maintains Nigerian Jollof Reigns Supreme After Tasting Liberian Jollof

Wale busari01 mins

American streamer iShowSpeed has once again stirred the ever-growing jollof rice rivalry after sharing his latest verdict during his Africa tour. The internet personality, who has been visiting several African countries and tasting their local delicacies, recently tried Liberian jollof rice for the first time. While reacting live, he admitted the meal was enjoyable and deserved a strong rating. “I will rate it 8/10, I think it’s good, but I’ll rate Nigeria’s over it.” The statement instantly drew mixed reactions from people around him, with some expressing disappointment over his preference. Despite the response, Speed made it clear that Nigerian jollof still holds the top spot for him. This comes after he earlier sampled Senegalese jollof and also ranked Nigeria’s version higher, further cementing his stance in the long-standing debate over which country makes the best jollof rice. 🚨| WATCH: Speed just tried Liberian jollof rice and says Nigerian jollof is better 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/LBZ0Mz8LZX — Speedy HQ (@IShowSpeedHQ) January 24, 2026

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Nigeria, Egypt, Others Draw Opponents for 2026 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships

Fola Badmus03 mins

African table tennis giants Nigeria and Egypt are set to spearhead the continent’s campaign at the 2026 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships, which will unfold in London from April 28 to May 10. The official draws will take place at The Shard, London’s tallest building, on Monday, January 26, setting the stage for a historic tournament. In the men’s category, 12 African teams will line up among the 64 nations competing for global supremacy. The women’s category will see 11 African teams join the 64-nation field, a milestone that coincides with the centenary anniversary of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Of the 64 teams per gender, 52 qualified through continental championships, 11 earned their places via the world rankings of November 2025, while host nation England completes the roll call. Beyond Nigeria and Egypt, Africa’s representation in the men’s division includes Benin, Tunisia, Algeria, Togo, Madagascar, Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Angola. In the women’s division, the continent will be represented by Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Madagascar, Algeria, Tunisia, Uganda, South Africa, Angola, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo DR. A century after the inaugural ITTF World Table Tennis Championships were staged in England in 1926, the sport now returns to its birthplace for a landmark centenary celebration. The 2026 edition promises intensity and spectacle, with 64 men’s and 64 women’s teams competing across 13 days at two iconic London venues. The format will unfold in three stages as Stage 1B features group stages determining qualification pathways, followed by Stage 1A seeding matches for the top-ranked teams, before Stage 2 delivers knockout rounds showcasing the world’s finest teams in pursuit of global supremacy. The ITTF World Championships remain the pinnacle of table tennis—a stage where legends are forged, and history is written. The countdown has begun, the teams are assembling, and the world awaits as London 2026 prepares to host a celebration of sport unlike any other.

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‘I’m Not Here for Influencers, Africa Tour Is About Real Culture and Talent’ – IShowSpeed

Wale busari05 mins

American online streamer Darren Jason Watkins Jr., popularly known as iShowSpeed, has addressed criticism over claims that he ignored Nigerian content creators during his ongoing Africa tour, insisting that the trip is focused on culture and everyday people, not influencer collaborations. The clarification came after reactions trailed his Wednesday livestream of his first full day in Lagos, which drew massive crowds, unfiltered street interactions and viral moments that quickly spread across social media within and outside Africa. The controversy started after some Nigerian content creators accused Speed of deliberately avoiding collaboration requests during his Lagos visit. Fans repeatedly urged him to meet Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, a Nigerian streamer active on TikTok and Kick. Peller made several attempts to get Speed’s attention, including trying to climb onto his vehicle and later riding a horse through traffic to approach him. In a widely circulated clip, he was heard saying, “Please, I’m a streamer. I’m big. Please let’s do something. I have suffered because of you,” but Speed did not respond and continued with his scheduled activities. The repeated attempts and Speed’s silence sparked heated online discussions, with fans and creators questioning why one of the world’s biggest streamers would tour Africa without linking up with well-known local personalities. Reacting to the backlash, Speed explained that the purpose of his Speed Does Africa tour had been misunderstood. “This tour is not about collaborations with influencers or streamers,” he said. “The goal is to show African culture, the people on the streets, and the talent that doesn’t usually get seen.” He added that many of those expressing dissatisfaction already have established audiences, noting that “a lot of the people complaining already have audiences, while this tour is meant to give exposure to people who normally don’t get it.” Speed also clarified that his movements throughout the tour are tightly planned by his team. “Every day on this tour is scheduled — the locations, the time, everything,” he said, stressing that adding last-minute meetups or collaborations is not possible. He further explained that “cutting short cultural visits or cancelling plans made by local communities would be disrespectful,” insisting that the tour must follow its original structure. According to him, similar reactions occurred earlier during his visit to South Africa, where some creators also felt sidelined, but he remained focused on the central aim of the tour. “This trip is about the real Africa — the street performers, the local artists, and the communities with real talent that don’t usually get global attention,” he said. iShowSpeed’s Africa tour, titled Speed Does Africa, began on December 29, 2025, and is scheduled to run for 28 days across 20 countries. He is expected to visit Benin Republic next as the tour continues.

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Nigeria Begins Africa Handball Nations Cup Campaign with Victory Over Algeria

Fola Badmus02 mins

Nigeria’s Senior Men Handball Team, the Golden Arrows, began their campaign at the 27th Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup on a winning note with a hard-fought 25–23 victory over Algeria in their opening Group A match on Wednesday in Kigali, Rwanda. The encounter, played at the Petit Stade, saw Nigeria take early control and head into the break with a 16–13 first-half advantage, thanks to a disciplined defensive display and efficient finishing in attack. Algeria mounted a strong fightback after the restart, closing the gap and testing Nigeria’s resolve, but the Golden Arrows held firm in the closing minutes to secure a deserved two points at the end of regulation time. Key contributions came from Faruk Yusuf, who provided leadership and goals from the backcourt, while John Shagari was influential on the left flank. In goal, Michael Agbaji produced crucial saves at decisive moments to frustrate the Algerians and preserve Nigeria’s narrow lead which earned him the man of the match award The win places Nigeria in a strong position in Group A, which also features hosts Rwanda and Zambia. The Golden Arrows will return to action on Thursday, when they face Zambia in their second group match, scheduled for 1:00pm as they continue their quest for a podium finish in the continental championship which serves as qualifiers for the 2027 World Men’s Handball Championship in Germany.

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Senegal Revokes Arthur Eze’s Atlas Oranto Offshore Licence After Nearly 20 Years of Inactivity

Wale busari03 mins

Senegal has revoked the offshore exploration licence held by Atlas Oranto Petroleum, the oil and gas company founded by Nigerian energy entrepreneur Arthur Eze, in a move reflecting a stricter regulatory approach toward underperforming petroleum assets. The Cayar Offshore Shallow licence, awarded in 2008, was withdrawn after Atlas Oranto failed to provide the required bank guarantees and carried out minimal exploration work, despite multiple deadline extensions. The block spans about 3,600 square kilometres north of the Dakar peninsula and is considered promising for oil but remains largely unexplored. Energy and Petroleum Minister Birame Souleye Diop confirmed the formal revocation in September 2025, citing the company’s repeated failure to meet its financial and contractual obligations. Industry sources noted that there was little meaningful seismic activity or drilling throughout the licence period, with no wells drilled despite promising leads from earlier surveys. Senegal’s action is part of a broader effort under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration to ensure petroleum licences lead to tangible investment, exploration, and production, rather than being held for speculative purposes. Officials described the revocation as a measure to enforce compliance and strengthen oversight of licence holders. The move has drawn attention to Atlas Oranto’s wider regional operations. In Liberia, the company signed four offshore production-sharing contracts in 2025 for blocks LB-15, LB-16, LB-22, and LB-24, including signature bonuses of $12–15 million per block and proposed investments exceeding $200 million each. The agreements were intended to revive Liberia’s largely inactive petroleum sector but faced criticism from lawmakers and civil society groups over transparency, financial capacity, and environmental concerns. Senegalese authorities maintained that Atlas Oranto’s nearly 20-year failure to provide bank guarantees or advance exploration activity justified the licence revocation, signalling a governance approach focused on accountability, performance, and the proper management of petroleum resources.

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