Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, through its lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.

Jutsice Omotosho, who convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts, sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making a total of 72 years.

The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently beginning from Monday, March 23.

Nwabuoku was admitted to a N500 million bail with two sureties in the like sum after he was arraigned on January 15, 2025, on a nine-count amended charge.

The EFCC listed Nwabuoku as the sole defendant in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024, which bordered on money laundering to the tune of N868 million.

In count one of the charge filed on November 27, 2024, the EFCC alleged that Nwabuoku, alongside Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited (at large), Turge Global Investment Limited (at large), Laptev Bridge Limited, Arafura Transnational Afro Limited (at large), and other persons (all at large), conspired to convert funds.

The funds were said to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The anti-graft agency said the offence was contrary to Section 18 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011, as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012, and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

Nwabuoku was alleged to have perpetrated the act while serving as the director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.

He was later appointed acting AGoF on May 20, 2022, under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari after Ahmed Idris was suspended as AGoF over alleged N80 billion fraud.

Nwabuoku, however, was removed in July 2022, a few weeks after assuming office.

Sylva Okolieaboh, a director at the Treasury Single Account, TSA, Department, replaced Nwabuoku as acting AGoF.

Okolieaboh’s appointment followed a report that Nwabuoku was under the EFCC’s radar over corruption allegations.

Delivering the judgment on Monday, Justice Omotosho said that in determining the charge, the court had one issue for determination.

“Whether the prosecution has established the charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt to secure his conviction?” he said.

The judge earlier dismissed the argument of Nwabuoku’s lawyer, Norrison Quakers, SAN, on inadmissibility of his client’s three confessional statements.

Quakers had argued that the defendant’s statements were not voluntarily made and did not comply with the law.

But Justice Omotosho held that in challenging the admissibility of a confessional statement on the ground of involuntariness, the best time to raise the issue is at the stage of it being tendered in evidence by the prosecution, and not on appeal by way of counsel’s submissions.

The judge, who cited a previous case delivered by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said if the counsel had raised an objection to the admissibility of the statement on the ground that it was not voluntarily made, the court would have conducted a trial-within-trial to determine the issue.

“At the point of tendering these statements, Exhibits PWT, PWV2 and Exhibit DWI were not objected to by defence counsel.

“This failure to raise the objections is deemed to be an admission that the statements were made voluntarily and thus raising same at this stage amounts to an afterthought.

“Consequently, this court is entitled to rely on the statements in the determination of this charge,” he ruled.

On the substantive issue, the judge said that the standard of proof is usually beyond reasonable doubt because criminal cases were very serious specie of proceedings as the freedom and in some cases the life of the defendant was on the line if found guilty.

According to him, while the prosecution is not mandated to call a certain number of witnesses in proof of its case, it must call material witnesses to help it prove its case.

“The prosecution is not absolved of the duty placed on it by the law to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt even where the defendant has pleaded guilty to the charge, ” he said.

While reviewing the counts, the judge found that the anti-graft agency had been able to prove all the ingredients essential in each of the counts to convict the defendant.

“The defendant as the Director of Finance at the Federal Ministry of Defence had monies entrusted to him.

“Monies meant for the security and defence of the nation. Instead, the defendant converted the monies to his use.

“The defendant expertly put the money through proxy into his portfolio account with Quantum Zenith Securities to buy and trade securities.

“This is a classic example of what money laundering does. It is the putting of dirty money into legitimate business which helps to clean the money.

“The idea behind proving a predicate offence comes from what money laundering itself means.

“As a global phenomenon, money laundering means cleaning money from unlawful source to make it look clean and legal.

“Money laundering is a global scourge that affects countries worldwide, Nigeria not being an exception.

“It has been described as the washing of illegitimate money in a bid to make it appear clean or legitimate.

“It involves the process of transforming the proceeds of crime into ostensibly legitimate money or other assets.

“Hence, any action or transaction emanating from legally obtained money cannot ground a charge of money laundering, let alone result in conviction for the offence,” he said.

Justice Omotosho observed that Nwabuoku, in Exhibit DW1, had earlier stated that the monies paid into the four corporate accounts were for secret operations.

“However, the evidence before the court all show that they were rather used for the personal use of the defendant, ‘ he said.

The judge also observed that prior to 2019, the balance in the defendant’s account from Exhibit PWG was less than N3 million but suddenly from August 2019, his portfolio grew and it began being credited with tens of millions of naira to purchase more securities.

“The timing is quite curious as it coincides with the timeline of the alleged offences.

“From the accounts of MDavi Limited (PWE), the sum of about N160 million was credited to the account of the defendant with Quantum Zenith Securities for the purchase of securities.

“All these evidence clearly proves the guilt of the defendant.

“Consequently, the defendant is convicted of count 9 of the charge,” he ruled.

The judge further observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded N220 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.

According to the judge, the defendant’s act of diverting funds meant for other purposes to his own use is quite appalling and revealing.

“This is even more concerning as it involves a very critical ministry such as the Ministry of Defence.

“These monies were probably meant to improve the security situation in the country. Unfortunately, they were siphoned into private pockets.

“I must say the defendant was ingenious in trying to hide the source of these funds by using shell companies and using friends and associates.

“However, the diligent investigation of the prosecution was able to link him to the said funds.

“This court must commend the prosecution for being detailed in its investigation and for presenting a coherent and cogent case against the defendant.

“The defendant on the other hand is condemned for greedily converting public funds to his own use.

“In final analysis, the prosecution has successfully established the nine counts charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

“The defendant is hereby convicted as charged,” he declared.

Responding, lawyer who appeared for the prosecution, Ogechi Ujam, thanked the judge for the time and industry put in to deliver the judgment.

She said the prosecution had no previous criminal record of the convict.

Justice Omotosho then asked the lawyer what the law says about the punishment of the offence.

Ujam, who cited Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering Act, 2011, said it provided for not less than seven years or not more than 14 years jail term in each of the count.

Isidore Udenko, who represented the former AGoF, pleaded for leniency.

“My lord, the defendant is a first offender. He is a man that had served this country for 35 years at the highest level.

“He has shown remorse and he has an aged mother as the only son.

“In showing remorse, he has refunded part of the money to the prosecution and throughout the trial, he was diligent and did not offend the court,” Udenko begged.

The judge said the Supreme Court had also decided that the defendant himself should be allowed to make allocution (plead for mercy) why the court should not give the maximum sentence.

Responding, Nwabuoku also begged the court to temper justice with mercy.

“My Lord, I have served for 35 years and retired. In all these years, I have been diligent.

“It is not as if I converted any money but I have returned some from my shares. My lord, I will plead for leniency,” he said.

Nwabuoku, however, pledged to refund the remaining part of the money.

“But you said at a point that the refund was not coming from…,” the judge responded to the defendant’s plea to refund the remaining part of the money.

“What I meant was that the refund was not voluntary; I was compelled,” he said.

But his lawyer suddenly cut in and said: “My lord, what the defendant is saying is that he is remorseful and whatever remains, he is ready to refund.”

“At this level, we have gone beyond issues of refund,” the judge said.

The EFCC lawyer then urged the court to sentence the convict in accordance with the law and to order the forfeiture of the property.

Justice Omotosho, after listening to the lawyers and the defendant, sentenced Nwabuoku to eight years imprisonment in each of the nine counts which shall bring concurrently.

“The sentence shall start to run from today the 23 Day of March, 2026 and shall run concurrently.

“The prosecution is at liberty to file formal application for forfeiture of applicable assets and properties,” the judge ruled.

The judge said the EFCC should file the application for forfeiture of the affected property and that the defence would respond accordingly before a final order is made.

“You can bring the post-conviction application so that the defence too can respond appropriately because he is entitled to fair hearing and we will ensure that,” he said.

On January 31, 2025, the 1st prosecution witness (PW-1), Eucharia Ezeodi, a Zenith Bank Plc staff member and PW-2, Felix Nweke, a director in the federal civil service, gave their testimonies against the defendant.

The anti-graft agency, however, closed its case after calling nine witnesses to establish its case against Nwabuoku.

Justice Omotosho had, on November 13, 2025, dismissed Nwabuoku’s no-case submission, which he opted for after the prosecution closed its case.

The judge, in a ruling, held that a prima facie case had been made out against Mr Nwabuoku by the EFCC to warrant him to enter his defence.

Nwabuoku, who opened his defence on February 2, prayed the court to acquit and discharge him of the alleged N868.46 million fraud case preferred against him by the anti-graft agency.

Led in evidence by his lawyer, Mr Quakers, the former AGoF denied being a signatory to some companies allegedly linked to him.

Nwabuoku had, in February 2025, opted for a plea bargain but later changed his mind.

The ex-AGoF was earlier arraigned with Felix Nweke, who worked under him in the Federal Ministry of Defence.

Both defendants, on October 14, 2024, equally opted for a plea bargain agreement with the EFCC, which was eventually not carried through.

The commission, subsequently, amended the charge and listed Nwabuoku as the sole defendant, with Nweke as one of its witnesses.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO:

Momentum builds around Haske at APC reception for Fintiri

Alleged graft: ICPC to arraign El-Rufai Tuesday

Suspected bandits bomb bridge connecting Niger communities 

I-G warns newly promoted AIGs, CPs against indiscipline, other ills

Trump postpones Hormuz ultimatum after ‘productive’ talks with Iran

Military strikes Turji’s hideouts, neutralises scores of bandits

MRA condemns assault on journalist in Bauchi, calls for probe

In memory of MEE Mofe-Damijo, By Simbo Olorunfemi

Honour is not scholarship: Nigeria must protect the integrity of the title “Dr.”

Nigeria’s terror ranking and ‘docile’ South West governors

Boiling Point: Utomi, Bwala to debate Tinubu’s reforms

Why pay rent endlessly when you can own your dream home now?

We’ll not allow insecurity to overshadow our efforts at helping the vulnerable –Tinubu

The post Court jails ex-AGoF, Nwabuoku, 72 years for N868m fraud appeared first on Frontpageng.

The Eagles, who were expected to go for a win to finish on a high in a pool they dominated, were unconvincing for large parts of the game, and it took substitute Samuel Chukwueze, on for Kelechi Iheanacho, at the beginning of the second period, and with two-thirds of the match gone, to produce any real excitement for the sparse crowd in south-south Nigeria.

The Italy-based forward made himself available to receive a pass from midfielder Frank Onyeka, and then waltzed his way past three defenders before lashing the ball past the impressive goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari for Nigeria’s only goal.

The visitors were able to stifle Nigeria’s game with the disconnect between the midfield and attack of the Super Eagles, and Victor Boniface, with another opportunity to stake his claim to a starting shirt, could not provide any real threat to the Amavubi rearguard.

Moses Simon, in his characteristic dashing run, located Boniface’s head in the 24th minute, but the Germany-based forward headed away from goal.

Iheanacho, on to a good lift from Simon, saw his shot saved by Ntwari with minutes left in the first half.

In the 50th minute, Boniface’s header from Simon’s corner kick was punched away.

Three minutes after Chukwueze’s goal, Nigeria broke forward again, only for substitute Onyeka’s pass to drift past Fisayo Dele-Bashiru at the crucial moment.

READ ALSO: Brain surgery: Journalist Kuforiji appeals to Sanwo-Olu, Dangote, banks, MTN, NNPC, others for assistance

Boniface again missed a glorious opportunity in the 68th minute, after an excellent touch from Chukwueze and pass from Dele-Bashiru, and four minutes later, Rwanda were level when substitute Marie Gueulette headed past Maduka Okoye as Nigeria’s defenders ball-watched from a free-kick on the right.

As the Eagles continued their casual game, the Amavubi sighted an opportunity to make history, and went for blood.

Three minutes after the equalizer, they were back to raid the Nigeria defence again and profited when they got the ball past Okoye for their second and winning goal.

The victory however turned out to be sweet-sour, as the Amavubi found out they did not qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations following Benin Republic’s 0-0 draw with Libya in North Africa.

Ademola Lookman, who was injured in the match against Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday and was not part of Monday’s encounter, provided only the cheering news of the evening after he was nominated among five candidates for this year’s Africa Player of the Year award taking place in Morocco on December 16.

Moroccan Achraf Hakimi, Ivorian Simon Adingra, Guinean Serhou Guirassy and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams are the other nominees.

The post Morocco 2025: Rwanda’s Bees sting uninspiring Eagles 2-1 in Uyo appeared first on Frontpageng.

Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s counsel, R. U. Adagba, informed the court of the decision of the federal government to withdraw the charge against Gambaryan.

Adagba, who held the brief of Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, premised the decision on Gambaryan’s deteriorating health and diplomatic intervention.

Gambaryan was the 2nd defendant in the charge preferred against the cryptocurrency platform (1st defendant) by the EFCC.

The EFCC had, on April 8, arraigned Binance Holdings Ltd and Gambaryan before Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

They were arraigned on a 5-count charge bordering on alleged tax evasion, currency speculation and money laundering to the tune of $34,400,000.

The Binance representative’s bail application was rejected twice by the court.

Justice Nwite had, on October 18, fixed Friday, October  25, for a report on the health status of Gambaryan.

The development followed an information from an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, who was in court on the last adjourned date that Gambaryan’s absence in court was due to his ill-health.

The matter was however rescheduled for today due to the urgency of the case.

Upon resumed hearing, EFCC’s counsel, Adagba, told Justice Nwite of the federal government’s decision to withdraw the charge against the detained employee of Binance because of his deteriorating health.

Adagba recalled that the case could not go on at the last adjourned date as a result of the health condition of the 2nd defendant which, she said, the government had managed effectively.

She, however, said that recently, the report they received from the NCoS, through the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, indicated that Gambaryan’s health had deteriorated to the extent that he hardly walked without the assistance of wheelchair.

Adagba said besides his ill-health, Gambaryan needed to undergo a surgery which surgery and recovery would take some time that might impact on the pace of the trial.

READ ALSO: Grid collapse: Power minister sets up six-member committee

He stated further that the government had reviewed the case and had taken cognisance that Gambaryan, a U. S. citizen, was a mere employer of Binance Holdings Ltd, “whose status in the matter has no impact.”

The lawyer equally told the court that the prosecution had taken into consideration of some critical diplomatic and international meetings by federal government, hence, the need to discontinue the charge against the 2nd defendant (Gambaryan).

“I urged the honourable court to discharge the 2nd defendant accordingly in line with Section 108(1), (2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015,” she prayed.

Lawyer to Binance, Olujoke Aliu, and Gambaryan’s counsel Mark Mordi, SAN, did not oppose the application.

However, Mordi, who told the court that since one of the reasons for withdrawal of the case was that Gambaryan was just an employee of Binance, urged the court to make an order for his client’s acquittal and not a discharge.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Nwite granted Adagba’s application.

“It is hereby ordered as follows:

“That the application of the prosecution’s counsel is granted as prayed having reviewed the circumstances of the charge.

“That this charge is hereby struck out against the 2nd defendant (Gambaryan).

“That the 2nd defendant is hereby discharged.

“That an order of this honourable court is hereby made for the immediate release of the 2nd defendant from Nigerian Correctional Service, Kuje,” the judge ruled.

He consequently adjourned the matter until November 22 and November 25 for continuation of trial.

Gambaryan was again not in court.

Source: NAN

The post Court orders release of Binance executive, Gambaryan, from prison appeared first on Frontpageng.

The rare win by the Malians against Nigeria was their first in 49 years.

Goals by El Bilal Toure and Kamory Doumbia sealed the win for Mali.

The last time Mali defeated the Super Eagles was on September 5, 1975, also in a friendly which ended 4-1.

Prior to Tuesday’s game, the Eagles were unbeaten in eight straight fixtures against the Malians, recording five wins and three draws.

Interim coach, Finidi George, gave starting shirts to Jamilu Collins, Raphael Onyedika, and Kenneth Omeruo.

The trio replaced Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka and Benjamin Tanimu, who all featured in the 2-1 win against Ghana on Friday.

The Malians dominated the early stages of the game and almost took the lead less than five minutes into the game, but were denied by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

READ ALSO: We must treat kidnappers as terrorists, they are cowardly -Tinubu

The breakthrough for Mali eventually came in the 14th minute as El Bilal Toure capitalised on a defensive error by Nigeria to score.

The Eagles were forced into a first half change as Moses Simon went off injured in 34th minute and was replaced by Cyriel Dessers.

The early part of the second half saw the Super Eagles start brightly but the Malian defence held firm.

Despite starting the half on a positive note, it was Mali who almost doubled their lead but the Eagles defence intercepted a dangerous cross from the left.

Dessers was presented an opportunity in the 65th minute as he was sent through on goal but blasted his shot over the bar with only the keeper to beat.

Iheanacho had a chance of his own barely a minute later, but took a low shot which was parried away for a corner.

With 12 minutes left, the Eagles won a freekick in a decent position but Iheanacho’s floated attempt was again cleared away by the keeper.

Mali then doubled their lead in the 87th minute thanks to Kamory Doumbia who raced into the Eagles’ 18 yard box and fired past Nwabali to earn his side a well deserved win.

Up next for the Super Eagles is the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June against South Africa who held Algeria to a 3-3 draw at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Tuesday.

Source: NAN

The post Int’l friendly: Super Eagles hand Mali first win in 49 years appeared first on Frontpageng.

I think the Bafana Bafana of South Africa deserve some flowers now that they can still smell the third place at the ongoing AFCON.

These Hugo Broos’ lads played one of their greatest matches on Wednesday as they dominated  possession against a resilient Nigeria’s squad, the Super Eagles.

Broos’ tactics broke Nigeria’s defence, exposed the Super Eagles’ shortcomings and created some chances but luck refused to smile at the South Africans.

The Bafana Bafana protested when there was a need to do so for a penalty that would erase Victor Osimhen’s goal.

However, it was their tactics that eventually killed them. Their “Delaying Tactics” boomeranged when they played a more experienced Super Eagles’ side.

They slowed down the pace of the game so that they could catch the Super Eagles unaware, they rolled the ball in their half, waiting for  penalty shootout that had favoured them in their previous match.

But then Bafana deserve their flowers for not only playing good football, but for also reminding us that Nigeria must begin to look for a creative midfielder after AFCON.

Banking on their goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, to save them, their tactics backfired with a 2-4 loss to Super Eagles via penalty shootout.

READ ALSO: Indomitable sins of The Lions against the Super Eagles

On Wednesday, it was the Super Eagles who adjusted after soaking up the heat from the Bafana Bafana with the withdrawal of Osimhen and introduction of Terem Moffi who nearly got a penalty for Nigeria.

Bafana Bafana’s delaying tactics made Nigeria to steal the ball in the midfield with a pass to Moffi but his goalbound effort was neutralised. Of course the defender saw a red, reducing South Africa to ten.

Credit must go to the Super Eagles’ Coach, Jose Peseiro for providing necessary antidotes to the rampaging Bafana Bafana when he  introduced Kelechi Iheanacho who scored the winning penalty to qualify Nigeria for the AFCON final.

But then Bafana deserve their flowers for not only playing good football, but for also reminding us that Nigeria must begin to look for a creative midfielder after AFCON.

Peseiro has improvised in the midfield to get us thus far, using 5-3-2 formation to counter every opposition he has played in this tournament.

It shows in our ball possession and lesser number of passes to our pointman, Osimhen, who had laboured too much in this tournament.

AlHassan Yusuf that gave us signs of relief in the midfield played so deep against South Africa that he caused us a penalty.

He is not experienced enough. The coach should either continue to work on him or look for a more creative and strong midfielder.

In all, one can only congratulate Super Eagles for fighting a good fight and qualifying for the final.

However, the Bafana Bafana deserve their flowers for a job well done.

The post EXTRA: Give Bafana their flowers not banana appeared first on Frontpageng.

Ikuforiji and his former Personal Assistant, Oyebode Atoyebi, are facing a 54-count charge before a Federal High Court in Lagos State.

They had pleaded not guilty on re-arraignment before Justice Mohammed Liman, who  allowed them to continue on  bail granted them in 2012 when they were first arraigned.

When the case came up for continuation of trial in Wednesday, EFCC counsel,  Mr Ekene Iheanacho, expressed dissatisfaction that a letter for adjournment of the case was before the court.

He said that the trial had been slow and noted that the letter was written by defence counsel on behalf of the defendents.

Iheanacho argued that the defendants had no reason to be absent from court.

The prosecution counsel, consequently, made an oral application for a bench warrant to be issued against the defendants, adding that their bail should be revoked.

In a ruling, the judge directed the defendants to be present for trial on the next date, May 3.

He held that failure of the defendants to appear for trial on the next adjourned date might compel the court to  revoke their bail and issue a bench warrant for their arrest.

READ ALSO: Money laundering:  EFCC to re-arraign Lagos ex-Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji

On March 17, 2021, the EFCC closed its case after calling its second witness, Mr Adewale Olatunji, a former Clerk of the Lagos House of Assembly.

The case was then adjourned to enable  the defence to open its case.

However, Liman was  transferred out of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court.

He is presiding over the case now on a fiat.

The defendants were first arraigned on March 1, 2012, before Justice Okechukwu Okeke on a 20-count charge bordering on misappropriation and money laundering.

They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

The defendants were re-arraigned before Justice Ibrahim Buba, following a re-assignment of the case.

Buba granted them bail in the sum of N500 million each with sureties in like sum.

On September 26, 2014, Buba discharged Ikuforiji and his aide of the charges, after upholding a no-case submission by them.

Buba had held that EFCC failed to establish a prima-facie case against them.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, EFCC through its counsel, Mr Godwin Obla (SAN), challenged the decision at the Court of Appeal.

The commission argued that the trial court erred in law when it held that the counts were incompetent because they were filed under Section 1(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004, which was repealed by an Act of 2011.

EFCC further argued that the lower court erred  when it held that the provisions of Section 1 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004 and 2011, only applied to natural persons and corporate bodies other than government.

The commission also submitted that the trial judge erred in law  by upholding and concluding that the testimonies of prosecution witnesses supported the innocence of the respondents.

In its judgement, the Lagos Division of the Court of  Appeal, in November 2016, agreed with the prosecution, and ordered a fresh trial of the defendants before another judge.

Dissatisfied with the decision of the Court of Appeal,  the defendants headed for the Supreme Court which, however, upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal.

EFCC charged the defendants with accepting cash payments above the threshold set by the Money Laundering Act, without going through a financial institution.

The commission also accused the defendants of conspiring to accept cash payments in the aggregate sum of N338.8 million from the House of Assembly without going through a financial institution.

Ikuforiji was also accused of using his position to misappropriate funds belonging to the Assembly.

The EFCC said that the defendants committed the offences between April 2010 and July 2011, in  contravention of Sections 15 (1d), 16(1d) and 18 of Money Laundering Act, 2004 and 2011.

Source: NAN

The post Court to ex-Speaker Ikuforiji: Appear or have your bail revoked appeared first on Frontpageng.

The streets of Garoua were thrown into wild celebration as Iheanacho’s superb first-half goal handed Nigeria a well deserved 1-0 victory over Egypt in their Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Group ‘D’ opener.

Iheanacho hammered in a half-volley from the edge of the box into the top corner in the 30th minute to settle the contest at the Stade Roumdé Adjia in Garoua, Cameroon.

A cross section of fans who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, said by that win against the seven-time champions, Nigeria had indeed sent a strong signal to the rest of Africa.

Enjoyemmy Okegdo, a Nigeria Football Supporters Club, NFSC, member from the Headquarters in Lagos said the victory would make our other opponents in the group very weary of us.

“We are going to beat Sudan next 3-0, that’s how we will beat everybody in the group.

“I can already see us in the finals and going ahead to win the AFCON trophy,” he said.

Kudirat Moshood, a supporter from Sokoto said her prayers had been answered, adding that she was grateful to God for the victory.

“I prayed for this game that God should give us the victory and He answered my prayers.

“I thank God for this victory and for granting us safe journey all the way from Sokoto to cheer our darling team to victory,” she said.

Sanmi Shodimu, another supporter from Lagos said:

“It’s a great day and a day of celebration for all of us because I actually predicted that Nigeria was going to win 2-0.

“We could have scored more but all the same we are grateful for the one precious goal which gave us three points to top the group.

“I predict a 3-0 in our next game against Sudan.”

Also, some Cameroonians fans supported Nigeria during the game.

Pierre Moussa said he was very happy that the Egyptians lost to his ‘Nigerian brothers.’

“Salah is a good footballer, but he did not play a good game today.

“Nigeria took advantage of a sloppy Egyptian side and scored a vital goal which gave them the vital win.

“Nigeria is at the top of the group which is the most important thing, while Egypt are currently at the bottom of the table,” he said.

Ibrahim Aboubakar said: “We Cameroonians were supporting Nigeria and we are happy that Super Eagles won their opening match, we are celebrating Nigeria’s victory.”

The Super Eagles will next take on Sudan on Saturday, before playing their last game against Guinea Bissau on January 19.

Source: NAN

The post AFCON: Nigerians, Cameroonians celebrate Eagles 1-0 victory over Egypt appeared first on Frontpageng.

The Day 1 Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier played in a near-empty Teslim Balogun stadium, Surulere, Lagos, had the star-studded Nigeria side overpower the less-fancied Lone Stars of Liberia.

The game was, however, decided in the first half of the one-sided game as the former youth international Iheanacho put Nigeria through in the 22nd and 44th minutes.

The second half of the game had the Super Eagles tone down the pace of the game with fewer shots on goal with Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen, losing a glorious chance to add to the tally.

The second half, however, had the coach of the team make five changes with first double substitute Paul Onuachu coming in for Osimhen while Samuel Kalu came in for quiet Moses Simon.

Late into the game, both Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi made way for the Captain Ahmed Musa and right full back Shehu Abdullahi.

While late deep into the extra time, Joe Aribo was substituted for newly signed Watford midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo.

The two goal hero, Iheanacho, was, however, awarded the Man of the Match to pocket the N1m prize money from one of the sponsors, 33 Export.

Iwobi who also put up a 5-star performance walked away with another cash prize of N1m courtesy Another NFF partner, GAC Motor for the Most Valuable Player of the match.

With the win the Super Eagles top the Group C of the Qatar 2022 qualifiers with three maximum points.

The Super Eagles are due to face the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde on Tuesday, September 7, for the Day 2 World Cup elimination fixtures.

Source: NAN

The post Qatar 2022: Iheanacho’s brace put Eagles on flying start appeared first on Frontpageng.

The result meant the Super Eagles have delayed picking their 2021 AFCON qualifying ticket.

The Super Eagles were held to a disappointing 4-4 draw by the Leone Stars in the first leg fixture at the Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Spurred on by a special incentive of a blank cheque made by President Julius Maada Bio should they defeat the Super Eagles, the Leone Stars approached the return leg with some gusto, and sought to wear down the Eagles with their team work, cohesion and fast breaks.

However, it was the Super Eagles that created the early chances, with Captain Ahmed Musa shooting wide and goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara saving from Kelechi Iheanacho within the first three minutes.

In the 11th minute, Mohamed Turay, who pestered the Eagles’ defence relentlessly, headed over the bar from a cross by Kei Kamara.

Maduka Okoye saved from Kwame Quee in the 22nd minute and on the half hour, Iheanacho wasted a great chance to put Nigeria ahead by shooting wild just outside the box.

Two minutes later, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, needing just to place the ball beyond the goalkeeper in the box, fluffed his lines.

Iheanacho wasted another opportunity in the 37th minute, before the Leone Stars came agonisingly close on two occasions as referee Tawel Camara Younoussa blew for half time.

The ding-dong affair continued in the second half and in the 52nd minute, after great work by Samuel Chukwueze, Iheanacho was gifted the ball to simply place beyond the reach of goalkeeper Kamara, but again lifted the ball too high.

Alex Iwobi and Iheanacho also missed chances as the game wore on, but the Leone Stars also had their own chances, with Turay, Kei Kamara and Mustapha Bundu raiding the Nigeria goal area several times.

The draw keeps Nigeria at the top of Group L with eight points, one more than second–placed Benin Republic, who also ended their encounter with Lesotho in Maseru scoreless.

Sierra Leone stay third with three points, and Lesotho bottom of the table with two.

The Super Eagles next take on Benin Republic on Match Day 5 in Cotonou in March, 2021.

Source: NAN

The post AFCON Qualifier: Super Eagles, Leone Stars end it goalless in Freetown appeared first on Frontpageng.