Author: Olukayode Oke

Super Falcons To Discover Opponents As CAF Prepares For 2025 WAFCON Draw. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the draw for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will take place on Friday, 22nd November. The ceremony will be held at the Mohammed VI Technical Centre in Sale, Morocco. It will determine the group stage matchups for the 12 teams participating in the tournament, including the Super Falcons of Nigeria. Morocco is set to host the prestigious competition from 5th to 26th July 2025. The tournament promises to bring together the best of women’s…

Obasanjo Calls For Shorter Tenures For INEC Chair To Curb Corruption And Rebuild Trust. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged for the appointment of new and credible leaders to head the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), advocating for short tenures to prevent corruption and rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process. Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University in Connecticut, USA, Obasanjo delivered a powerful keynote address titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” where he described the 2023 general elections as a “travesty.” The former president emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in…

Nigerian Lawmakers Announce Interactive Session On Tax Reform Bills. The House of Representatives in Nigeria has scheduled an interactive session for Monday, November 18, 2024, to discuss the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The session, which will take place at the Temporary Chamber of the House, will begin promptly at 10:00 am. Akin Rotimi, Spokesman for the House, confirmed the session in a statement issued on Sunday, emphasising its importance in fostering dialogue between lawmakers and stakeholders. The interactive session aims to allow Members of the House to engage directly with key figures behind the…

Fresh Ethnic Clashes Erupt In Manipur India Following Discovery Of Six Bodies. The Indian state of Manipur has been plunged into renewed ethnic violence after the discovery of six bodies, believed to belong to the majority Meitei community. Authorities have imposed an indefinite curfew and suspended internet services in affected areas to quell unrest. The bodies, reportedly including women and children, were found on Friday, sparking violent protests over the weekend. Meitei groups alleged that the victims had been kidnapped by individuals from the minority Kuki community, though the police have not confirmed these claims. The state, which…

Hezbollah Media Chief Killed In Israeli Strike In Beirut. The head of Hezbollah’s media office, Mohammed Afif, has been confirmed dead following an Israeli airstrike in central Beirut. The Lebanese militant group disclosed his death on Sunday evening, hours after reports of the strike first emerged. The attack targeted the headquarters of the Lebanese branch of the Syrian Baath Party in the densely populated Ras al-Naba neighbourhood, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The strike left significant destruction, with four people confirmed dead and 14 others injured, as per the country’s health ministry. Afif was a prominent public figure…

NFF Backs Edo Queens For CAF Women’s Champions League Glory. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed confidence in Edo Queens’ ability to win the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, following their stunning 2-1 victory over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, commended the team’s remarkable fighting spirit, which saw them come from behind to secure a semi-final berth in the ongoing tournament in Morocco. “The NFF and the entire Nigerian football family are immensely proud of Edo Queens’ achievements,” Gusau stated. “From winning the WAFU B title to reaching the semi-finals of the…

NPFL Round-Up: Ikorodu City Triumph in South-West Derby, Heartland Share Points in Kano. Ikorodu City FC secured a memorable victory in their first-ever South-West derby in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), defeating Shooting Stars (3SC) 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. Despite falling behind to an early goal from Anthony Okachi in the 14th minute, the Oga Boys fought back in the second half. Shola Adelani equalised in the 59th minute before Rivio Ayemwenre sealed the win with a dramatic 88th-minute strike. Elsewhere, Kano Pillars were held to an entertaining 2-2 draw by Heartland FC at…

Rabiot Shines As France Defeat Italy To Win Nations League Group. Adrien Rabiot scored two outstanding headers as France secured a 3-1 victory over Italy at the San Siro, overtaking the Azzurri to top Nations League Group A2. The Marseille midfielder opened the scoring with a well-timed header from Lucas Digne’s corner, marking the start of an impressive night for Les Bleus. Aston Villa defender Digne was also instrumental in France’s second goal, as his free-kick struck the crossbar before deflecting in off Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. Italy, who only needed to avoid a two-goal defeat to secure…

Haaland Hat-Trick Fires Norway To Nations League Top Tier. Erling Haaland delivered a masterful hat-trick as Norway cruised to a 5-0 victory over Kazakhstan, securing promotion to the top tier of the Nations League. The Manchester City striker, who recently became Norway’s all-time leading goalscorer, continued his sensational form by taking his tally to 38 goals in 39 international appearances. He also cemented his position as the Nations League’s top scorer with seven goals in six group games. Haaland opened the scoring by slotting home a rebound after Antonio Nusa’s initial effort was parried by goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov.…

Biden Grants Approval for Ukraine to Use US Missiles Inside Russia, Following Russia’s Attack In Sumy. In a significant development, US President Joe Biden has reportedly given Ukraine the green light to use long-range missiles supplied by the United States to strike targets within Russian territory. While the decision has not been officially announced, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted at the move, stating, “Missiles will speak for themselves.” The decision marks a shift in the ongoing conflict, allowing Ukraine to strengthen its defensive capabilities while countering Russia’s aggression. Reports suggest that this step aims to help Ukraine hold onto…

APC Celebrates Aiyedatiwa’s Landslide Victory In Ondo Governorship Election. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his resounding victory in the Ondo State governorship election, held on Saturday. In a statement issued on Sunday, Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, commended Aiyedatiwa for his remarkable performance and the overwhelming support he received from voters. Aiyedatiwa, representing the APC, secured a decisive win, with 366,781 votes. His nearest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party, trailed significantly, garnering 117,845 votes. The results were officially announced by the State Returning Officer, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi,…

Aiyedatiwa Clinches Victory In Ondo Gubernatorial Election. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, has triumphed in the Ondo gubernatorial election, securing victories in all 18 Local Government Areas. Aiyedatiwa defeated his main opponent, Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with a significant margin across the state. The results, submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), showcased APC’s dominance, with particularly high votes recorded in Akure South, Akoko South-West, and Owo LGAs. This win reaffirms APC’s stronghold in the region.