Both teams qualified for the final after dramatic semi-finals.

Nigeria sailed through to the final after beating Gabon  4–1 in  extra-time on Thursday at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

The DR Congo also defeated Cameroun 1-0  at the Al Barid Stadium to set up a final clash with Nigeria.

Frank Onyeka opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 3rd minute  before Mechak Elia equalised in the 32nd minute  for the Leopards.

Nigeria and the DRC created scoring  chances, with Tolu Arokodare’s header for Nigeria and Nwabali making a crucial save from the Leopards  free kick.

Calvin Bassey and  Moses Simon had missed their  chances early in the match and Nwabali was at his best when he denied the Leoprads their two penalty kicks.

Nwabali’s two saves in the shootout was not enough to cancel out misses from Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi.

Chancel Mbemba scored the winning penalty kick to send the Leopards into the intercontinental playoffs for the World Cup.

Both Nigeria and the DRC advanced to the play-offs after finishing second in their respective qualifying groups, with the semi-finals and final staged in Morocco.

The victory sees the Central Africans progress to the final intercontinental qualifier which will be held next March.

The defeat marks Nigeria’s second consecutive failure at the play-off stage, following their loss to Ghana on away goals in the final qualifying round for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

It makes it the first time Nigeria have failed to qualify for two consecutive World Cups since the country’s debut in 1994.

Source: NAN

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The match played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, on Tuesday, was tension soaked but the early goal by Victor Osimhen in the 3rd was a relief.

Chelle during the post-match news  conference, said that the players sacrificed their full energy to win the match.

The coach described the players as champions in today’s match, stressing that they were focused and purposeful throughout the duration of the game.

He, however, noted that the game was not yet over, until they win the play-off and get final qualification to the World Cup.

“I am surprised by my players. They deserved this game because it was not easy.

“So, now we are going to Morocco, it is not yet finished. It will be very difficult, but tonight, I am very happy for the players.

“They played a great game today and two days ago, like I said before, it is well, it is well, we are here.

“I am happy for the fact they brought us the victory which serves to help us push us to the next level.

“The players played a very good game, especially, the best striker in the world, Victor Osimhen,” Chelle said.

The Super Eagles Captain, Troost Ekong, said he was proud to be a member of the team.

According to him, everyone played their hearts to ensure victory in the qualifying match against Benin Republic.

He thanked Nigerians for their massive support throughout the qualifying series, stressing that the people loved good football.

The captain acknowledged that the game was not yet over, as the team still had a lot of work to do in the play-off.

The Coach of Benin Republic, Gernot Rohr, regretted that the dream of his team getting to the World Cup had been ruined by the 0-4 defeat in the hands of the Super Eagles.

He acknowledged that the Super Eagles had experienced and talented players, which gave them victory in the match.

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Rohr said that the Cheetahs were young players with less experience but played very good football.

“There was a big disappointment because we wanted to go to the World Cup, also with Beninois for the first time in history, but we could not.

“You know, we don’t have enough players of high level.

“As you know, we have some players who started the match; they don’t even have clubs; we also have players who play in the 5th division in France, but I am proud of my team.

“They did very well in this World Cup  qualifier, but until the last game today. I am very happy to be the coach of this team.

“It is a young team, there are still things to learn. They started with a goal in the first minutes,” Rohr said.

Osimhen hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s last minute goal were all the Super Eagles needed to move to the next level.

Source: NAN

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The match, played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, saw Victor Osimhen net a hat-trick in the 3rd, 37th and 51st minutes of the game to lead the Super Eagles to a crucial win.

Frank Onyeka added a fourth goal in the 90th minute to seal the victory.

Nigeria finished second in Group C behind South Africa and now await the final Confederation of African Football, CAF, rankings of second-placed teams.

Only the four best second-placed teams from the nine groups will qualify for the CAF playoff round.

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Africa has nine direct slots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the winner of each group qualifying automatically.

CAF had earlier clarified that results against the bottom team in each group will not count in the ranking.

Group E is exempt, following the withdrawal of Eritrea.

The Eagles’ qualification now depends on point totals and goal difference after all group matches are concluded.

The four best second-placed teams square up against each other in single-leg semifinals with the winners of the semifinals expected to clash in the final.

The winner of the final progresses to the Intercontinental Playoff in North America.

Source: NAN

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Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also makes the final cut, just as defenders Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze and Cyriel Dessers.

Greece-based goalie Adeleye Adebayo returns to the group, alongside Unity Cup sensations Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks, and forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare, who both impressed in the friendly with Russia in Moscow on 6th June this year.

The Super Eagles confront the Amavubi of Rwanda in a Matchday 7 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, 6th September before flying to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a Matchday 8 fixture on Tuesday, 9th September.

FINAL LIST OF 23 SUPER EAGLES FOR RWANDA & SOUTH AFRICA

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium).

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He marked the first anniversary of Onwenu’s death with a post on his Instagram page on Wednesday, reigniting memories of the celebrated Nigerian music icon.

The post reads: “A year ago, today. RIP Mom. July 30, 2024.”

Onyeka Onwenu reportedly had some health complications on July 30, 2024 moments after a scintillating performance at the birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli.

She was however rushed to a hospital in Lagos, where she died at the age of 72.

The late Onwenu was born in 1952, and began her music career in the 1980s with her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981.

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She also released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song, “One Love”.

The late music legend also delved into acting, as she featured in several Nollywood films and won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film industry in Africa.

Beside her exploits in the entertainment space, she was also a social crusader and a politician.

She was appointed as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.

In 2011, she was awarded the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR.

Source: NAN

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He was announced winner by host of the show, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, during the grand finale of the show on Sunday night in Lagos.

The winner was presented with N60 million cash prize and a new SUV.

Kellyrae, a 33-year-old professional singer from Delta, who came into the show with his wife, Kassia, is a graduate of Delta State University.

The eight housemates who made it to the finals  are Kellyrae; Sooj; Anita; Nelly; Onyeka; Wanni; Victoria and Ozee.

Sooj, the first finalist to be evicted, said “I am thankful for the journey so far, I feel like a winner and a champion regardless of the situation; I am coming for any and everything; I’m taking the world by storm.”

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This was followed by Anita, a model, who expressed her desire to be engaged on the international runway.

She said, “I am excited and grateful right now, I wanted to win the prize but I am here till the last day; I am happy. I will be taking my modelling business to the next level.”

Ozee said: “It’s not about the final winner but the fact that I made it to the end. This platform is like a social experiment where I have learnt about myself. I have a lot I’m working on. Just look out for me, this is just the beginning.”

Nelly, who got auditioned nine times before her final success to the show, said, “I am very happy. I will be growing my restaurant brand. You people should expect something big. I can’t wait to work with all the brands that love me.”

Victoria, the fifth finalist to leave the house, said she would be going back to her business as a travel consultant and would remain open to more collaborations from brands.

For Onyeka, she spoke on her interest in singing, dancing, acting and directing.

The reality television show began July 28 with 28 housemates.

The show witnessed lots of twists, drama, controversies, steeze and romance, as the housemates came in pairs of 14.

The pairs are: Chekas; Zinwe; Mbadiwe twins; WanniXHandi; Aces; Nelita; Double Kay; Shatoria; Radicals; Floruish; Tami; Ndinne; Beta and Streeze.

Source: NAN

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This was announced by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the host of the show, on Sunday, during the eviction night.

The duo who were in a relationship in the house, got evicted same day coincidentally, having attracted the least vote percentage among seven other housemates, who were nominated for possible eviction.

According to the vote revealed after the eviction show, Chizoba got the lowest vote percentage of 3.94 per cent, while Ben attracted 7.43 per cent.

The nine housemates initially nominated for possible eviction were: Chizoba, Victoria, Kellyrae, Kassia, Ozee, Sooj, Topher, Ben and Shaun.

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Upon Eviction, Ben said: “I am not surprised about the eviction, I have been expecting it since last week when we were declared free.

Speaking on his relationship with fellow housemate, Chizoba, he said: “Chizoba is a good girl, when she leaves the house, we will take it away from there.”

Also, Chizoba said: “Ben has a very big spot in my heart. I would have loved to stay till the end of the show but I will begin to root for my sister, Onyeka, that is what matters most to me now.

On her frequent misunderstanding with her sister, Chizoba said: “I love my sister so much but we see things differently, and at the end of the day after our quarrel, we still agree.”

The television reality show, which began on July 28, will end on October 2, as the housemates continue to compete for the N100 million grand prize.

Source: NAN

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The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Adejobi said the postings and redeployment were in line with the commitment of the force to have a professionally competent, service driven, rule of law compliant and people friendly Police Force.

He said it was also to reflect the new status of senior officers who were recently elevated to their next ranks.

Adejobi said the newly posted and redeployed AIGs were Ogundele Ayodeji, Zone 7, Abuja; Patrick Edung, Zone 11 Osogbo; Badru Lawal, Border Patrol FHQ; Bartholomew Onyeka, Zone 8 Lokoja; Suleiman Yusuf, DOPS, FHQ and Idowu Owohunwa, FCID Annex Alagbon Lagos.

Others are Rhoda Olofu, Maritime, Lagos; Godwin Aghaulor, Zone 13 Ukpo Dunukofia Awka; Effiom Ekot, ONSA Abuja; Anene Innocent, CTU FHQ Abuja; Odama Ojeka, Zone 16 Yenagoa; Ebong Eyibio, Zone 4 Makurdi; Adebowale Williams, Zone 17 Akure and Sahabo Yahaya, Investment FHQ Abuja.

Adejobi said the 26 newly posted/redeployed CPs included George Chuku, Benue; Ahmed Tijani, Jigawa; Dan Shawulu, Niger; Usman Hayatu, Gombe; Danjuma Aboki, Imo; Disu Rilwan, Rivers; Joseph Eribo, Taraba; Isyaku Mohammed,  Osun; Mohammed Barde, Safer Highways, FHQ among others.

He said the I-G had urged the newly posted/redeployed officers to work in tandem with the Force policy and support the agenda of government for economic recovery and growth, as well as socio-political development of the country.

Adejobi said the I-G called on senior officers to entrench professionalism and diligent policing services to all officers and men under their command.

He called on the officers to partner with relevant stakeholders to bring policing closer to the people adding that the posting were with immediate effect.

Source: NAN

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The new AIGs are Ogundele Ayodeji; Patrick Edung; Badru Lawal; Bartholomew Onyeka; Suleiman Yusuf; Idowu Owohunwa; Rhoda Olofu; Godwin Aghaulor; Effiom Ekot; Stanley Ude; Longe Patrick and Ndu Anene.

Head of Press and Public Relations at the PSC, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, announced the PSC’s decision in a statement he issued on Thursday in Abuja.

Ani stated that 5,718 senior police officers comprising of both general duty and specialist cadres of the Force were promoted.

He added that 21 Assistant Commissioners of Police, ACPs, were promoted to CP while 33 Chief Superintendents of Police, CSPs, were elevated to ACP.

Ani stated also that 265 Superintendents of Police, SPs, were promoted to CSPs, while 59 Deputy Superintendents of Police, DSPs, were promoted to SPs.

He added that 4,750 Assistant Superintendents of Police, ASPs, and another 146 ASPs, who were omitted during the May 2022 promotion exercise, were elevated to the rank of DSP.

“For the specialists’ cadre, the commission approved the promotion of two ACPs, one from Air Wing and the other from Forensic Department to the rank of DCP.

“Forty-seven CSPs comprising 23 doctors and 24 Veterinary Doctors were promoted to the rank of ACP,’’ Ani stated.

Also promoted were 190 SPs from the Computer Info-Tech Unit, eight from Works Department, one from Workshop and 12 from Transport unit.

Two SPs were promoted at the Forensic Department, just as two handwriting specialists, one SP of Ballistics unit, one from Religion unit and one veterinary doctor were also promoted.

47 Specialists of Assistant Superintendents of Police rank and of different units were also promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Ani stated that the PSC chairman, Dr Solomon Arase, urged the newly-promoted officers to embrace a new policing culture, hinged on people-friendly approach that respects the fundamental rights of citizens.

Arase warned officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to desist from involving themselves in civil matters or trumping up false allegations against citizens.

He noted that such conduct would not make the officers win the hearts and minds of the people and would deprive them of credible information from public-spirited individuals when dealing with internal security issues.

The PSC boss commended the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun, for collaborating with the commission to ensure that promotions permeated all departments of the Force for the first time in a very long while.

“This singular act, I hope will motivate the workforce  to give back their best in ensuring that issues of crimes and criminality are properly  dealt with,’’ Arase said.

Source: NAN

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The State’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday in Makurdi.

The 73-year-old Igbetar, who retired from service on October 17, 2015, was said to be living a private life and was hardly seen in public.

Anene said the judge was found in a pool of her own blood in her kitchen on Friday, with deep cuts on her back.

“On August 24, information was received at ‘E’ Police Division Makurdi, that Justice Margaret Igbetar (rtd), could not respond to calls and was nowhere to be found. Detectives were immediately deployed for investigation.

“A search conducted within her house at Wantor Kwange Street, Gboko Road, Makurdi, led to the discovery of her body in a pool of blood inside her kitchen. It was also observed that she had deep cuts on her back.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of one Aondohemba Joseph, and recovery of exhibits for detailed investigation,” the Police spokesperson said in the statement.

The statement further quoted the State Commissioner of Police, CP, Bartholomew Onyeka, as having strongly “condemned the dastardly act”.

Onyeka further assured that he would unravel the mystery behind the death and bring perpetuators of the barbaric act to book.

Igbetar was born on October 17, 1950, in Mbape, Shangev-ya, Tsar-Mbaduku, in Vandeikya local government area of Benue State.

She started her career as the Assistant Registrar, Grade I Area Court, Katsina-Ala, Benue State in 1971, and rose to become a Judge of the Customary Court of Appeal in 1995, a position she held till 2003 when she was appointed President of the court.

Igbetar was a founding member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Benue State, a life member, first Chairperson of Benue branch and a National Trustee of the association.

The late Justice served as a member, Election Petition Tribunal, Bauchi State, between 1998 and 1999, National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal Imo/Abia State in 1999 and the Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal, Kebbi State.

She was also a member of the Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution in 2000.

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