Nigeria Petitions ITTF Over Visa Denial for World Youth Championships in Romania

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has lodged a formal petition with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) after its players were denied entry visas to compete at the ongoing 2025 World Youth Championships in Romania. The development has sparked concern within Nigeria’s table tennis community, as the setback threatens the country’s participation in one of the sport’s most prestigious youth tournaments. In a letter signed by NTTF President Adesoji Tayo, the federation condemned the decision, describing it as a violation of the principles of international sportsmanship, inclusivity, and fair participation that ITTF and its partners uphold. “As an official representative of Nigeria and Africa in this prestigious global event, I firmly believe that the reasons provided for the visa refusal are unjust, discriminatory, and contrary to the spirit of unity which international sports is designed to foster,” Tayo stated. Despite weeks of intensive training by players and coaches, the visa denial has dampened the spirit of the contingent and resulted in financial losses for the federation. Nigeria was set to represent Africa in the boys’ U-19 and U-15 team events, having qualified as continental champions at the African Youth Championships in Lagos. The NTTF further noted: “Since our inability to participate is not a fault of NTTF, we hereby formally notify the ITTF and the host federation, Romania Table Tennis Federation, that NTTF will not be liable for any penalties or financial obligations arising from accommodation or hospitality reservations made in relation to this event.” Tayo urged ITTF to urgently intervene to prevent similar occurrences in the future, stressing that the visa refusal has disrupted Nigeria’s ambition of grooming another generation of world-class players.

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Nigeria, Egypt Book World Para Championships Tickets

Nigeria and Egypt reaffirm their continental dominance, winning multiple gold medals at the 2025 ITTF-Africa Para Championships, which came to an end on Sunday, November 23, 2025, in Giza, Egypt. The championships, which brought together top competitors from across the continent, including host nation Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire, also served as a qualifier to the 2026 World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand. Nigeria finished slightly ahead with six gold medals, while Egypt secured five. Côte d’Ivoire also impressed, with Bayala Jean Pierre’s spirited silver medal in the singles, adding depth to the event. 2024 Paralympics bronze medallist, Ogunkunle Isau, led the charge in the Men’s Singles Classes 4–5. Adesope Abiola Wali, Farinloye Victor, and Lawal Kehinde added to Nigeria’s gold tally with victories in their respective singles categories. Isau once again stepped up by excelling in mixed doubles with Oputa Kate, winning the Mixed Doubles class 10 title, while Adesope Abiola Wali and Kehinde finished first in the Mixed Doubles classes 14–20 category. Egypt’s campaign was marked by dominant singles victories, including Ramadan Khaled’s triumph over compatriot Elmahsy Ahmed in the Men’s Singles Classes 1–3, Youssef Sayed’s commanding win against Abdelmoneim Abousteit in the Men’s Singles Classes 6–7, and further golds from Abdelwahab Abdelrahman and Mahmoud Faiza in the women’s classes 1-5. The host’s doubles strength was also evident as Sayed teamed up with Abdelwahab Abdelrahman to clinch the Men’s Doubles Class MD18 title in a hard-fought 3–2 battle against Nigeria’s duo Adesope Abiola Wali and Agunbiade Tajudeen on the final day. Speaking after the conclusion of the championships, Tournament Director Amr Fahmy described the event as a resounding success. He noted that the level of competition continues to improve, with more athletes participating each year. “We are hopeful that future editions will attract even greater participation, which will further enhance the growth and stature of this championship,” Fahmy said. By the close of the competition, eight qualification slots to Bangkok 2026 had been secured, while additional slots will be earned through African rankings in 2026 according to the ITTF rules, ensuring broader representation and opportunity for athletes across the continent.

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US, Nigeria Agrees To Boost Security Collaboration With Intelligence Sharing And Military Support

The United States and the Federal Government of Nigeria have agreed to strengthen security cooperation, with commitments to expand intelligence sharing and provide military support for nationwide counter-terrorism and counter-extremism operations. The agreement follows a series of high-level meetings in Washington last week between senior Nigerian officials and key US Government agencies, aimed at deepening defence ties and exploring new areas of collaboration. The Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, met with officials from the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of Defense. Other members included Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, said the meetings provided an opportunity to address misconceptions about Nigeria’s security situation, including claims of genocide, and to emphasize that violence affects multiple religious and ethnic communities. “The discussions allowed us to correct misconceptions, foster a solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforce mutual trust, and advance a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt,” Onanuga said. He added that the US has expressed willingness to provide complementary support, including humanitarian aid for affected populations and technical assistance to enhance early-warning systems. Both countries have agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and to establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate actions in priority areas. The Nigerian government also reiterated its commitment to improving civilian protection and addressing concerns around religious freedom and security. “The Federal Government recognizes the heightened sensitivities surrounding religious freedom and security and assures citizens that firm, urgent, and coordinated measures are being taken to safeguard the nation,” Onanuga concluded.

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Orji Uzor Kalu Claims Politicians Are Fueling Killings And Abductions To Destabilise Tinubu Government

Former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has accused politicians of orchestrating the recent rise in killings and abductions across Nigeria to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Kalu said the wave of attacks is not random but part of a calculated plan, drawing parallels to attempts to destabilise former President Goodluck Jonathan. He declined to name the alleged sponsors but suggested both local and foreign actors are involved. “What we are seeing is always a routine, something that goes with the elections. When you have an election, people will try to pressure the government in power for all kinds of things to start happening. And you can remember when President Jonathan was here, a similar thing happened,” Kalu stated. He added that the ongoing insecurity is a strategic move linked to political manoeuvring ahead of upcoming elections. According to him, the attacks mirror past periods of heightened unrest aimed at weakening the incumbent government. Despite his concerns, Kalu expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s response to the crisis, noting that the President had cancelled official engagements to focus on national security following several high-profile abductions. “For the first time, you see the president cancelling all his engagements. Today is Sunday, and he faced security challenges. He faced everything about security,” he said. Kalu assured Nigerians that the government is making every effort to rescue abducted victims, including recently kidnapped schoolgirls. “Those girls will be recovered. The government is making every effort to make sure these people are recovered,” he said, describing the current situation as “not the best of times” for the country. He also praised the military and security agencies, acknowledging that service chiefs and operatives have been fully deployed to restore peace and security.

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Nigeria Won’t Break Up, Says Oluremi Tinubu As Leaders Urge Global Support To Tackle Insecurity

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her belief that Nigeria will remain united and overcome its challenges. Represented by Bishop Stephen Adegbite at a thanksgiving service in Abuja for the investiture of Most Rev. Sunday Onuoha as Archbishop on Special Duties, she said the nation’s hope rests in God and urged citizens to keep praying for Nigeria and the Church. She noted that while Nigeria welcomes assistance from abroad, the country will not be intimidated or reduced to a disgrace. She added that Nigerians will celebrate Christmas in peace and joy. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu also stressed the importance of international partnerships in addressing insecurity. He said the government can work with global allies without compromising the nation’s sovereignty, adding that the President is open to collaborations that will benefit the country. Kalu highlighted the key role of the Church in promoting unity, stability, and progress, saying effective nation-building requires every stakeholder to be involved. He praised Archbishop Onuoha for helping bridge the gap between government and faith-based communities. Archbishop Onuoha, speaking with journalists, said Nigeria desperately needs support to confront its growing challenges, especially insecurity. According to him, anyone who thinks the nation does not need help is living in denial. He explained that seeking security assistance is no different from seeking financial or humanitarian support. He called for an end to blame-shifting, emphasising that the loss of any life is a tragedy that goes beyond ethnic or religious identity. Onuoha pledged to work with the Church and other partners to promote peace and unity across the country.

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Tinubu Vows To Protect Nigerians As Abducted Worshippers And Students Are Freed

President Bola Tinubu has vowed to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria, insisting that no citizen should live in fear. He canceled his scheduled trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to personally supervise national security operations following recent kidnappings, describing the safety of Nigerians as a fundamental right. In a statement on his official X account on Sunday, Tinubu stressed that his administration would continue to confront criminal activities across the country without compromise. “Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” he said. The President announced that all 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State, have been rescued, while 51 students previously kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger State have also been freed. “Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued. I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State have been recovered,” he said. Tinubu added that he has been receiving continuous updates from security personnel and is closely monitoring the situation nationwide. His remarks come as Nigerians demand faster and firmer government action to stem the rise in kidnappings and armed attacks across the country.

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Terrorism: Rema Says Nigeria Cannot Be Great Until Its Youth Are Protected

Rema has weighed in on the escalating wave of terrorist attacks across Nigeria, warning that the nation cannot achieve true progress while its young people remain exposed and undervalued. Taking to his X page, he wrote: “Until they protect the youths and allow them to grow into their full potential, Nigeria will never be truly great. 💔🇳🇬” His remark comes at a tense moment for the country following recent terror strikes in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger that have triggered heightened security alerts nationwide. The attacks — ranging from assaults on communities to targeted strikes on schools — have deepened public anxiety and renewed calls for urgent action.

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Trump Calls Nigeria A Disgrace As He Accuses Government Of Failing To Protect Christians

US President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Nigeria on Friday, labeling the country “a disgrace” and renewing claims that its government is failing to protect Christians from extremist attacks. Speaking on a conservative radio show, Trump threatened military intervention against Islamist militants in Nigeria if the government does not “do more” to halt violence targeting Christian communities. “Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace,” Trump said. “They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s a genocide, and I’m really angry about it. And we pay, you know, we give a lot of subsidies to Nigeria. We’re going to end up stopping.” Nigeria has experienced long-standing ethnoreligious conflicts affecting both Christians and Muslims, though the narrative of Christians being uniquely targeted has gained significant attention among right-wing groups in the US. Trump’s remarks came a day after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, at the Pentagon to reinforce the administration’s claims of “horrific violence” against Christians in the country. “Under @POTUS leadership, DOW is working aggressively with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist terrorists,” Hegseth said in a post on X, referring to the Department of Defence by its preferred acronym “DOW” (Department of War). A statement from the Defence Department said Hegseth and Ribadu discussed “tangible progress” on curbing violence against Christians and countering jihadist activity in West Africa. President Bola Tinubu, a Muslim whose wife is a Christian pastor, has consistently rejected accusations of state-supported religious persecution, emphasizing that his government is committed to protecting all Nigerians regardless of faith. “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said. Despite this, Trump and his allies continue to push the narrative. Earlier this week, rapper Nicki Minaj joined US Ambassador Mike Waltz at the United Nations to echo similar claims. In a separate engagement, Republican Representative Riley Moore of West Virginia met Ribadu in Washington on Wednesday as part of ongoing high-level discussions between US officials and Nigeria’s security leadership.

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