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Tag: Nigeria

World Cup Playoffs: Nigeria, Gabon Game Promises Frills, Fire and Fury

Wale busari07 mins

Nigeria and Gabon senior men national teams go to war on Thursday evening in a 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff semi-final that promises to raise the roof of the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat. The high-stakes encounter, which provides a second window for both teams to try and qualify for the 2026 finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico after missing automatic tickets in Africa’s 23-month qualifying campaign, will see both Coaches Eric Chelle and Thierry Mouyouma throw in their best casts to ensure passage into the Final match, which will set up the victor against the winner of the other semi-final between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the same venue on Sunday. Nigeria, six-time finalists at the FIFA World Cup, have assumed a body language of unwillingness to witness a second consecutive FIFA World Cup finals miss, which would mean no experience at the highest level for the spine of the current team, while Gabon, who have never dined at football’s highest table, are eager to experience what it all means. The ingredients for a fiery evening in Morocco’s administrative capital is complete, with both Chelle and Mouyouma likely to adopt the 4-3-3 formation to play to the strengths of their lead orchestrators. Chelle, unbeaten in four competitive matches with Nigeria in the qualifying campaign (three wins and a draw), will most likely stick with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and in the absence of injured Olaoluwa Aina (injury) and Semi Ajayi (suspension), probably calibrate a rearguard of Benjamin Fredericks, captain William Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka in midfield. 2023 Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, who netted six goals in the qualifying series (all against three teams viz Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Benin Republic), is likely to have Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman as partners from the off. The rampant Osimhen, with 29 goals in 44 matches for the Nigeria senior team, has netted 160 goals and 36 assists in 275 club career matches, and is presently one of the most feared forwards in world football. Gabon emerged the best second runners-up in all the nine qualification groups, and hinge their hopes of an upset on 36-year- old forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has turned out for English Premiership side Arsenal and German Bundesliga top team Borussia Dortmund, and is now with former European champions Olympique Marseille in France. The brilliant forward’s father, Pierre-François Aubameyang, featured for the Panthers at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, in which the Panthers lost their first match 0-3 to Nigeria and crashed out at group stage, as the Eagles went on to win their second continental title. Mouyouma is likely to stick to his regular army, which puts Loyce Mbaba in goal, with youngster Jacques Ekomie alongside Bruno Manga, Mick Omfia and Anthony Oyono at the rear, and Guélor Kanga, Mario Lemina and Didier Ndong in midfield. Aubameyang, who scored all four goals in the dismantling of The Gambia away in the qualifying series, will have regular partners Denis Bouanga and Noah Lemina as co-conspirators at the fore. Mouyouma has revealed that his Panthers are contemplating the quick, short passing game to force Nigeria’s matadors to chase the game, while Chelle has kept his option to his chest as the fiery encounter looms. Nigeria have been victorious in five of nine previous encounters with Gabon at senior men level, dating back 60 years, when Nigeria won and drew friendly matches played over two days in Libreville. Gabon’s only triumph – a 2-1 win in a World Cup qualifier on 25th June 1989 – ultimately cost Nigeria a ticket to Italia ’90 as the Eagles failed to secure the draw needed against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in Yaounde on the final day of the series. Three of the nine matches have been drawn, including a Germany 2006 World Cup qualifier, but Thursday’s game cannot end in a draw, as a winner must emerge to proceed to Sunday’s Final. SUPER EAGLES, PANTHERS IN HISTORY 28 Aug 1965: Gabon 2-2 Nigeria (Friendly) 29 Aug 1965: Gabon 1-4 Nigeria (Friendly) 02 Mar 1983: Gabon 0-0 Nigeria (Friendly) 07 Jan 1989: Nigeria 1-0 Gabon (WC qualifier) 25 June 1989: Gabon 2-1 Nigeria (WC qualifier) 26 Mar 1994: Nigeria 3-0 Gabon (AFCON finals) 21 Nov 1999: Gabon 0-2 Nigeria (Friendly) 09 Oct 2004: Gabon 1-1 Nigeria (WC qualifier) 26 Mar 2005: Nigeria 2-0 Gabon (WC qualifier)

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World Cup Qualifier Playoffs: Ekong, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Moses, Fredericks Storm Eagles’ Camp in Morocco

Wale busari01 mins

Captain William Ekong and fellow defender Benjamin Fredericks arrived the Super Eagles’ hotel in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday night, to join the seven-man early crew of defender Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Simon Moses, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and Samuel Chukwueze. Most of the remaining 15 players are expected today (Monday), as the three-time African champions get in the mood for a potentially-explosive Play-off semi-final clash with the Panthers of Gabon at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan on Thursday evening, starting 5pm Morocco time (same as in Nigeria). Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo clash in the other semi-final, with the two finalists to battle it out at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan on Sunday evening, for Africa’s lone ticket to the Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico next year.

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FG Dismisses UK Travel Warning, Says Nigeria Safer Than Abroad

Wale busari05 mins

The Federal Government has rejected the United Kingdom’s recent travel advisory, asserting that Nigeria is safe for both citizens and foreign visitors amid ongoing security improvements. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office warned against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states due to terrorism, kidnappings, and escalating violence. It also advised limiting travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, and parts of the Federal Capital Territory, citing rising crime and potential unrest. Speaking to The PUNCH on Sunday, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said the government is “fully aware of security challenges and is taking concrete steps to address them, ensuring safety for Nigerians and foreigners alike.” Idris highlighted that President Bola Tinubu has recently restructured top security positions and increased investments in military operations and intelligence, adding, “Our security challenges will soon be a thing of the past. Foreign nationals in Nigeria can feel confident about their safety as the government continues to enhance security measures.” The Gombe State Government described the advisory as “unfounded and unfair.” Ismaila Misilli, the state’s DG of Press Affairs, said Gombe remains one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states, with no record of insurgency, communal conflicts, or banditry in recent years. “Gombe is safe, welcoming, and open for business. We question the basis of the UK’s assessment,” he said. Kano State officials also downplayed the advisory, with Chief Press Secretary Mustapha Muhammad noting that the UK may not be aware of ongoing local security measures, including strategic deployment of military personnel to border areas to protect communities. Borno State highlighted significant progress in restoring peace. Governor Babagana Zulum’s Special Adviser on Security, General Abdullahi Ishaq (retd.), said Maiduguri is now safer than the nation’s capital, Abuja, citing successful community engagement that has led to numerous insurgent surrenders. He added that agricultural output has increased due to the relative peace in the region. The UK advisory also warned travelers about risks in the South-East, South-South, and South-West regions, including militant attacks, kidnappings, separatist clashes, and violent crimes in cities such as Lagos. Nigeria continues to face security challenges from Boko Haram insurgency, armed banditry, separatist movements, and militancy in the Niger Delta. Recently, US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing threats to Christians and directing the Pentagon to consider military options. Idris refuted claims of religious persecution, stating that 17,000 terrorists are currently in custody and reiterating that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring safety for all. The government insists that despite challenges, significant progress has been made, and Nigeria remains safe for its citizens, investors, and foreign visitors.

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Kano Protesters Take To Streets To Reject Trump’s Allegations Of Christian Genocide

Wale busari01 mins

Massive protests erupted in Kano State on Saturday as Islamic groups marched to denounce U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statements on Nigeria’s security situation. Demonstrators flooded the streets with placards reading “We condemn Trump’s threat to attack Nigeria,” “There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria,” and “America wants to control our resources,” rejecting claims of a Christian genocide in the country. Trump had earlier labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians and warned that the U.S. military could step in if the killings continued. The Nigerian government has dismissed these allegations, describing them as false, misleading, and an attempt to misrepresent the country’s security challenges.

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2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs: Chelle Picks Ekong, Osimhen, Moses, 21 Others for Big Battles

Wale busari03 mins

Captain William Ekong, ace forward Victor Osimhen, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey have been included in Nigeria’s 24-man list for next week’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off Tournament in Rabat, Morocco. Super Eagles’ Head Coach Eric Chelle has also included 89-cap midfielder Alex Iwobi, exciting young defender Benjamin Fredericks, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman. Nigeria will take on Gabon in the first semi-final scheduled for the 22,000 – capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat, with Cameroon confronting the Democratic Republic of Congo in the other semi-final at the 18,000 – capacity El-Barid Stadium, also in Rabat. Chelle has also recalled goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Spain-based forward Chidera Ejuke, with midfielder Raphael Onyedika and forwards Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams and Olusegun Olakunle also on the roster. Defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, suspended for one game after accumulating two yellow cards in the 10-match qualifying campaign, will miss the clash with the Panthers on Thursday. The players are scheduled to fly into Morocco from their different bases in Europe and elsewhere, to converge in Rabat on Monday, 10th November. 24 SUPER EAGLES FOR 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP AFRICA PLAY-OFF TOURNAMENT Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoya (Udinese FC, Italy) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium) Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium) Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)

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Pastor Adeboye Tells Tinubu To Pressure Trump, Warns Security Chiefs: “Fix Terrorists Or Resign”

Wale busari02 mins

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has weighed in on U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats of military action in Nigeria. In a video recorded during a recent church program, Adeboye appealed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration to approach the matter with speed, diplomacy, and careful judgment. “My children, if I were asked to make suggestions, I will say quietly to our government, move fast, move diplomatically, move wisely. Find a way to convince the president of America to please delay his actions for about 100 days,” Adeboye said. He also urged that Nigeria’s security agencies be held accountable, advising: “Then come home and say to our security chiefs: get rid of these terrorists within 90 days, or resign.” The call comes after Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and threatened military intervention, citing what he described as ongoing attacks on Christians and the government’s failure to protect religious minorities. The Nigerian government, however, has strongly denied any persecution of religious groups, emphasizing that the country faces security challenges but no targeted religious violence.

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Russia Tells U.S. To Back Off Nigeria Amid Reports Of Planned Military Strikes

Wale busari03 mins

Russia has cautioned the United States to stay clear of Nigeria following reports that Washington is preparing for possible military intervention in the West African nation. During a press briefing in Moscow on Friday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow is “closely monitoring developments” and called on “all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms.” Reports earlier in the week indicated that U.S. defense officials had drawn up plans for air and ground strikes in Nigeria under President Donald Trump’s directive. The reported plan, according to American officials, is aimed at protecting Christians allegedly under attack by Islamic militants. President Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” alleging that Christians in the country are victims of persecution. He warned that the U.S. would enter Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” if the government “continued to ignore the attacks.” However, President Bola Tinubu and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have rejected the genocide claims, insisting that Nigeria’s conflict is driven by terrorism and banditry rather than religion. The presidency stated that while it welcomes international support to combat insecurity, it would not tolerate actions that threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty. Reaffirming Russia’s position, Zakharova said her government is watching the issue closely and expects “all nations to respect international law.” In a related interview with Russian national television, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, said Nigeria “does not need American boots on its soil.” He acknowledged that the country faces security challenges but emphasized that the government has made “massive progress” in addressing them.

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Nigeria to Attempt Guinness World Record for Longest Dining Table in Abuja

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to attempt a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest dining table, as part of a landmark cultural and tourism initiative in the nation’s capital. The ambitious record attempt will headline the upcoming ‘Oriki: Taste of Culture’ Gastronomy Festival, featuring a 3.6-kilometre-long dining table stretching through parts of Abuja. Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), disclosed the plan on Thursday during a briefing attended by Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy. According to Fagade, the event — scheduled for December 6, 2025 — will host between 2,000 and 3,000 participants and serve a dual purpose: a world record attempt in the morning and a grand communal dining experience in the evening. “We plan to break the record in the morning of December 6 and use the same table for a dining event later. There will be food, culture, music and comedy in the evening,” Fagade said. “It will show that Abuja can also host major cultural events in December.” He explained that the festival aims to strengthen Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality value chain, focusing on skills development, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment while attracting local and international investors. Minister Musawa endorsed the initiative, describing gastronomy as an emerging driver of economic growth and youth engagement comparable to Nigeria’s film, music, and fashion industries. “When we talk about economic growth and youth development, gastronomy plays a role just like film, music, and fashion. People eat every day, and Nigeria has made significant progress in showcasing its food globally,” she noted. Musawa also commended Nigerian chefs and food entrepreneurs for enhancing the country’s cultural influence through creative cuisine and culinary storytelling. The festival and world record attempt will be formally unveiled by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja. The current Guinness World Record for the longest dining table stands at 3,189.93 meters, achieved in Cairo, Egypt, in 2019. Nigeria’s proposed 3.6-kilometer table would comfortably surpass this milestone if successful.

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