The Compass

 By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s team, the Flamingos, produced a dominant performance as they thrashed Guinea 5-0 in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier on Saturday. Chidi Harmony stole the show with a superb first-half hat-trick, scoring in the 1st, 12th, and 36th minutes. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi added the fourth goal in the 39th minute, while Mary Dunstan completed the scoring in the 56th minute. The emphatic away victory puts the Flamingos in a commanding position ahead of the second leg, scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State. Coach Akeem Busari’s side now hold a massive five-goal advantage and are firmly on course to advance to the next round of qualifiers for the tournament in Morocco.

By Emmanuel Uduak-Obong Esther  THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD BEGINS WITH YOU "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." — Nelson Mandela Everyone agrees that no one is irreplaceable. Until they try to replace Mandela. Until they try to replace Awolowo. Their names alone still move people to act, to rise, to refuse to be silent. That is not legacy. That is immortality. The world does not manufacture that kind of person twice. It builds them once, releases them, and waits to see who dares to follow. On the 18th of July 1918, Rolihlahla Mandela was born into the Madiba clan. He grew up on stories of resistance and sacrifice. He dreamed of contributing to the freedom of his people. But while dreaming, he understood one thing: to experience change, you must first make a move of determination. Change is not as inevitable as d...

By Adenuga Toheeb Ayoola Slain Oyo Teacher Buried Amid Tears Tears flow today as the teacher killed during last week’s deadly attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr Adesiyan Adegboye laid  to rest today at his residence after burial service. The deceased was laid to rest at his residence after a funeral service held at Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, amid tears and calls for justice over the attack which has increased fears over insecurity in the state. At the funeral service, the atmosphere was mournful as tributes poured in for the late teacher, described by many as dedicated, humble and passionate about education. Delivering a sermon,the Reverend, Paul Olaleye of Ayegun Baptist Church, urged the bereaved family to have faith in God, noting that death remains inevitable for all mankind. “Life is fragile and unpredictable. We must always be prepared because no one knows when death will come,” he stated. The elder brother of the dece...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Chelle Adds NPFL Star & Ex-Flying Eagle to Unity Cup Squad Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has expanded his squad for the 2026 Unity Cup, adding two new players to the initial 27-man list he released earlier this week. The fresh call-ups are Belgian-based winger Collins Yira Sor, a former Flying Eagles star, and Shooting Stars defender Tijani Al-Ameen. This brings the total squad size to 28 players as Nigeria prepares to defend their Unity Cup title in London later this month. Yira Sor is expected to add pace and creativity to the attacking options. The winger had an impressive campaign with KRC Genk in Belgium and will be looking to impress Chelle after struggling for impact during the March friendlies. Tijani Al-Ameen’s inclusion boosts the number of home-based NPFL players in the squad to eight, giving the domestic league stronger representation. The Super Eagles will face Zimbabwe in the semi-final at The Valley (Charlton Athle...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Onyedika Wins Second Belgian Pro League Title with Club Brugge Super Eagles midfielder, Raphael Onyedika has added another major honour to his collection after helping Club Brugge clinch the 2025/26 Belgian Pro League title. Club Brugge were crowned champions on Thursday night, 21st of May, following a tense 2-2 draw away to KV Mechelen. The result kept them at the top of the standings and secured the title with one game to spare in the Championship Playoffs. This marks Onyedika’s second Belgian league title with Brugge, having also won it in the 2023/24 season. The 25-year-old has now won six major trophies in his senior career; four with Club Brugge (two league titles, one Belgian Cup, and one Super Cup) and two with former club Midtjylland in Denmark (league title and Danish Cup). Onyedika, who has been a key figure in Brugge’s midfield this season, making 30 league appearances (22 starts), scoring once, and maintaining a high pa...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  “We Won’t Let Nigerians Down” – Flamingos Coach Busari Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s National Team coach Akeem Busari has vowed that the Flamingos will not disappoint fans as they begin their quest for a 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup ticket. The Flamingos face Guinea in the first leg of the second-round qualifier on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (kick-off 5:00 PM WAT). The second leg is scheduled for May 30 at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. Busari, who recently took over the team, declared that qualification to the World Cup in Morocco is the main target. The Flamingos received a bye into this round as one of Africa’s highest-ranked teams, while Guinea advanced with an impressive 8-2 aggregate victory in the previous round. The winner of this tie will progress to the final qualifying round in July. Nigeria have qualified for eight of the last nine editions of the tournament and are determin...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Afrobeats superstar Rema has collaborated with South Korean pop icon LISA (BLACKPINK) and Brazilian singer Anitta on Goals, the latest single from the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album. The track, released on Thursday via SALXCO UAM and Def Jam Recordings, blends Afrobeats, K-pop, and Latin pop influences. It was produced by Grammy-winning producer Cirkut. FIFA described the song as a celebration of unity, stating it brings sounds from three continents together. Rema called the collaboration “a big moment for music on the world stage.” The trio is set to perform Goals live for the first time at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony on June 12, 2026, at the Los Angeles Stadium, ahead of the United States’ opening match. Goals is the fifth release from the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album, following previous singles Lighter, Por Ella, Echo, and Illuminate. The 2026 tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, r...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and the entire Galatasaray squad at the Presidential Complex in Ankara to celebrate their 2025/26 Süper Lig title victory. The players, dressed in formal suits, were warmly received by the President as Galatasaray celebrated their 26th league championship, finishing three points ahead of rivals Fenerbahçe. Osimhen played a major role in the title success, scoring 15 league goals and providing 5 assists in 22 appearances, despite missing several games through injury. He also contributed 7 goals in the UEFA Champions League before the team’s elimination by Liverpool. During the visit, Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek presented President Erdoğan with a personalised club jersey. The triumph marked Galatasaray’s fourth consecutive league title. If they win the Süper Lig again next season, they will become the first club in Turkish football history to win five tit...

By Enakaye Peculiar  The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries deepened on Wednesday as Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and several governorship aspirants across the country withdrew from their races, citing party unity, political stability and alleged irregularities in the primary process. Fubara, in a statement, said his decision to step aside from the Rivers governorship contest followed consultations with supporters, political associates and family members. He said the move was necessary to ensure peace and unity in the state, insisting that his withdrawal was not out of fear or weakness. The governor also thanked his loyalists for their support throughout the political struggle. The development came amid reports that many of Fubara’s loyalists contesting for National and State Assembly tickets were disqualified from the APC primaries, while aspirants linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, gained dominanc...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has been crowned joint winner of the 2025/26 Turkish Süper Lig Golden Boot after finishing the season with 22 league goals for Trabzonspor. The 31-year-old shared the prestigious award with Eldor Shomurodov of Istanbul Başakşehir, becoming the sixth Trabzonspor player in club history to win the Golden Boot. Onuachu achieved the feat in just 30 league appearances, underlining his clinical finishing and importance to Trabzonspor’s attack. This marks the second Golden Boot of his career, having previously topped the scoring charts in the Belgian Pro League with KRC Genk during the 2020/21 season. The towering forward now joins an elite group of Nigerians who have won top scorer awards in major European leagues, alongside the likes of Victor Osimhen (Serie A 2022/23), Joseph Akpala, and Tosin Dosunmu. Onuachu’s achievement further enhances his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most prolific strikers in European fo...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor Chelle Snubs Nwabali for Unity Cup and Europe Friendlies Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has omitted goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from both the 27-man squad for the 2026 Unity Cup and the squad for upcoming friendlies against Poland and Portugal. Nwabali, who has been Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper since the 2023 AFCON, was left out due to his lack of club football. The shot-stopper has been without a club for over three months, raising concerns about his match fitness. The Unity Cup squad features a mix of established European-based stars like Wilfred Ndidi and Francis Uzoho, alongside several home-based players. Nigeria will defend their title at The Valley in London, facing Zimbabwe in the semi-final on May 26, with the final against either Jamaica or India on May 30. For the tougher June friendlies, Chelle named a 24-man squad. The Super Eagles will face Poland in Warsaw on June 3 before taking on Portugal on June 10. These matches are ...

Oyo Private School Proprietors Pray, seek Tighter Security  The National Association of Private School Proprietors (NAPPS) seek heightened security around schools and rural communities as prayers were held during the intercession Programme following the recent attack in a school in Ahoro-Esinle Community and neighbouring areas of Ogbomoso. The PUNCH reports that the victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state on Friday around 9:30 a.m. The district Secretary, Olawale Ojewumi; Public Relations Officer, Tope Olaniyan; and the District Chairperson, Bosede Ajala, stated during the period programme that the disturbing wave of attacks on schools has created fear among parents, teachers and school owners. According to the Punch reports, the association on Tuesday said, “NAPPS wants to use this period to urge the Federal Go...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Super Eagles new goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has expressed immense pride after receiving his first senior call-up to the Nigeria national team. The 24-year-old Wrexham shot-stopper, who recently had his switch from England to Nigeria approved by FIFA, was named in Éric Chelle’s squad for the upcoming 2026 Unity Cup in London. Speaking in an exclusive NFF video, Okonkwo said: “It is an honour to play for your country. I am so excited, I can’t wait. To finally have the opportunity is incredible.” The former Arsenal academy graduate will be hoping to make his senior debut during the tournament as Nigeria defend their Unity Cup title against Jamaica, Zimbabwe, and India. Okonkwo enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 season with Wrexham in the English Championship, making 39 appearances and keeping 10 clean sheets. His call-up is seen as a major boost for the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping department ahead of bigger assignments later in the year. The Unity Cup...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Super Falcons defender Shukurat Oladipo has been named the Best Defender of the 2025/26 Serie A Femminile season after an outstanding debut campaign with AS Roma. The 21-year-old centre-back played a pivotal role in Roma’s title-winning season, anchoring a formidable defence that helped the club secure their third Serie A championship in four years. During her 18 league appearances (15 starts), Roma remained unbeaten in every match she featured in and recorded eight clean sheets. Oladipo, who joined Roma from Robo Queens in February 2025, received the award at a gala ceremony on Monday night. She was also named in the official Serie A Femminile Team of the Season. Her impressive performances saw Roma concede just nine goals in the matches she played, underlining her rapid rise as one of the most reliable defenders in Italian women’s football. The award caps a dream first full season in Europe for the Nigerian international, further boosting...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong served as one of the draw assistants at the official qualifying draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which took place on Tuesday at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. The ceremony determined the groups for the qualifiers, as Nigeria and 47 other nations begin their journey towards the tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027. Troost-Ekong was joined by other African football legends including Max-Alain Gradel (Ivory Coast), Essam El Hadary (Egypt), and Trésor Mputu (DR Congo). The 2027 edition will mark the first time AFCON is jointly hosted by three countries and returns to East Africa since 1976. A total of 48 teams were drawn into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the finals. For the Super Eagles, the draw marks the beginning of their campaign as they aim to bounce back strongly...

By Igwe Grace  Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has retained the arrest warrant issued against former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, over an alleged fraud involving $1.3 million and N746.7 million. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Farouq alongside Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Mohammed on charges linked to criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and alleged diversion of public funds.  The court had earlier issued a bench warrant on April 16 after the former minister failed to appear for arraignment. During Monday’s hearing, EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs informed the court that Farouq was absent again without any official explanation. He noted that the second defendant had already submitted himself to the commission following the court’s earlier order and urged the judge to keep the arrest warrant in place. Counsel to the former minister explained that he was informe...

By Adenuga Toheeb Ayoola  Arsenal secured their first Premier League title in 22 years after Kai Havertz’s first-half goal sealed a 1-0 victory over Burnley on Tuesday night in the Emirates stadium. According to a video released on Arsenal social media channel,Arteta said,"We made history again, together. I cannot be happier, prouder for everybody that is involved in this football club. Let's enjoy the moment." Arsenal's success follows three consecutive seasons in which they finished as runners-up, including in 2023/24 when they finished an agonising two points behind Man City. Arsenal have now won four Premier League titles, putting them two clear of Liverpool and only one behind Chelsea. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's head coach, becomes the first former Premier League player to win the trophy as a manager. He was appointed in December 2019, having played for the club between 2011 and 2016. According to the full history of the English top flight, Arsenal h...

By Igwe Grace  The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two suspected kidnappers and the arrest of two others during a police operation carried out in the state. According to the police spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation was carried out by officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit after investigations into the kidnapping of three people in the Ipojo area of Atan-Ijebu on May 11, 2026. The victims were later released unharmed after the kidnappers reportedly collected ransom. After their release, police officers tracked the suspects to their hideout along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road area in the early hours of May 15. The police said the suspects opened fire when they saw the officers, leading to a gun battle. Two of the suspected kidnappers were killed during the exchange, while others escaped into a nearby forest with gunshot injuries. Police later arrested two suspects identified as Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, believed to be the gang leader, and Moh...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor. Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho played a vital role as Celtic came from behind to defeat Hearts 3-1 and win the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership title on the final day of the season. Hearts had taken the lead through Lawrence Shankland’s 43rd-minute header, but Celtic responded strongly at Celtic Park. Arne Engels equalised from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time (45+4), Daizen Maeda put Celtic ahead in the 87th minute, and Callum Osmand sealed the victory deep in stoppage time (98th minute). The dramatic win saw Celtic finish with 82 points, two clear of Hearts, securing their 56th Scottish league title and fifth consecutive championship. Manager Martin O’Neill, who returned mid-season and engineered the turnaround, was emotional afterwards, saying: "Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I could experience those lads up there [lifting the trophy]. The players and the coaching staff have given me a reason to live." ...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  The Super Falcons will play a double-header international friendly against Senegal Women’s National Team during the June FIFA international window. Both matches will be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Friday, June 5 and Monday, June 8, 2026. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) organised the fixtures as crucial preparation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where Nigeria will be aiming for an 11th continental title. The double-header comes after the proposed friendly against Jamaica was cancelled due to logistical and scheduling issues. The announcement was made via the Super Falcons Show on X, stating: “Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8.” Justine Madugu’s team were last in action in March, where they defeated Cameroon 3-1 in a friendly. The Super Fa...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Super Falcons duo Rinsola Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo have won the 2025/26 Serie A Femminile title with AS Roma in their first season at the club. Roma clinched the Scudetto on Saturday, May 2, after a 2-0 victory over Ternana, securing the title with two matches to spare. The win took them to 49 points, six clear of second-placed Inter Milan. Babajide made an instant impact in attack, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists in nine appearances, while Oladipo was outstanding at the back, featuring in 16 league matches and playing over 1,200 minutes. The triumph marks Roma’s third league title in four seasons and crowns a superb debut campaign for both Nigerians, who also contributed to the club’s UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign. Attention now turns to the Coppa Italia final against Juventus on May 24, where Babajide and Oladipo will aim to complete a domestic double.

By Igwe Grace  An Ilorin High Court in Kwara State has sentenced a church founder, Prophet Ajiboye Olayinka, to life imprisonment. Olayinka, the General Overseer of his church, was found guilty of sexually assaulting three underage girls inside the church’s mission house in Ilorin. In his judgment, the trial judge, Justice H.A. Gegele, ruled that the prosecution team successfully proved that the defendant committed the offenses of rape, unlawful sexual relations with minors, and performing illegal abortions. Aside from the life sentence, the court sentenced Prophet Olayinka to 14 years in prison for organizing illegal abortions that ended several pregnancies resulting from the abuse. The Prophet faced an eight-count charge including criminal conspiracy, unlawful sexual relations with minors, illegal abortion, and unlawful possession of firearms, violating the Penal Code, the Robbery and Firearms Act, and the Kwara State Child Rights Law. During the proceedings, the pros...

By Enakaye Peculiar  Suspected hoodlums on Saturday disrupted the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Somolu area of Lagos State, attacking some party leaders at Ward A and Ward B Somolu polling centres. The incident reportedly caused panic among party members and temporarily interrupted the exercise. Among those allegedly attacked were former APC Ward D chairman, Ajibade Ajayi; former Ward B chairman, Primate Abraham; former Somolu APC LGA chairman, Yomi Olubamide; and former Ward B chairman, Samuel Oluyida. Witnesses said the victims were assaulted and humiliated during the invasion by the suspected hoodlums. Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Abdulateef Asimi, condemned the incident, describing it as unfortunate and unacceptable in the council area. He assured residents and party members that the matter would be thoroughly investigated in collaboration with security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible. Asimi stated that the council had...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SGH Warsaw School of Economics. The partnership was signed at the SGH campus in Warsaw.  Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya, signed the agreement while SGH Rector, Professor Piotr Wachowiak, signed for the Polish institution. The LASUSTECH delegation, which included Professor Olumuyiwa Olamade, Dean of the College of Applied Social Sciences, and Dr Ayo Eso of the Department of Economics, visited SGH from May 11 to 14, to finalise implementation plans. The partnership grants LASUSTECH access to SGH’s prestigious Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS) standards and global networks. It will facilitate student and faculty exchanges with credit transfer and opportunities for European research funding including Horizon Europe and NAWA programmes. Speaking on the development, Professor Olumuyiwa des...

By Enakaye Peculiar  Parenting plays a vital role in shaping a child's behavior, character, and emotions. While discipline is necessary in every home, excessive strictness can lead to fear instead of respect. Many parents believe harsh rules and constant control will keep children obedient, but in reality, it often pushes them into secrecy. Children raised under very strict parenting often becomes secretive over time. Fear of punishment makes honesty difficult most especially in homes where children are constantly shouted at or severely punished for mistakes. Instead of explaining themselves, they begin to hide to avoid trouble. Over time, fear replaces trust in the parent-child relationship. Strict parenting can also weaken communication within the family. Some parents focus so much on control that they forget to listen. When children feel unheard or misunderstood, they stop sharing their thoughts and feelings. They either keep everything to themselves or turn to outsi...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have been drawn into Group F for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. The Falconets will face strong European side Spain, Asian representatives China PR, and debutants New Caledonia in the group stage of the tournament, which runs from September 5 to 27, 2026. The draw was conducted at the EC1 Cultural Centre in Poland, with Falconets head coach Moses Aduku in attendance. Nigeria’s opening match is expected to be against Spain on Monday, September 7, 2026, in Sosnowiec. Spain are considered one of the strongest teams in the group due to their excellent youth development system, while China PR bring experience from Asian competitions. New Caledonia will be making their first-ever appearance at the tournament. The Falconets remain one of Africa’s most consistent performers at this level, having reached the final in both 2010 and 2014. They will be aiming to go one step further in...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Team Nigeria won the gold medal in the mixed 4x400m relay at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, on Thursday.  The quartet of Ezekiel Asuquo, Toheebat Jimoh, Victor Sampson, and Patience Okon-George clocked a 42.94 seconds to finish ahead of Liberia and host nation Ghana. The performance also made Nigeria the first women’s team to run under 43 seconds at the African Championships. This latest triumph further cements Nigeria’s dominance in relay events. The country remains the most successful nation in African Championships relay history, with 12 gold medals since 1989. Nigeria has now won gold consecutively in this event in 2018, 2022, 2024, and 2026. The victory adds to Tobi Amusan’s gold in the women’s 100m hurdles and boosts Nigeria’s medal tally as the championships continue in Accra. It also comes on the back of the women’s 4x400m team winning gold at the 2024 edition in Douala, Cameroon. This performa...

By Emmanuel Uduak-Obong Esther O! Hail the baby of a poor mother Taken captive and left to mourn Behold the little one that saw his mother murdered Tears in face, second to none. Demons everywhere even on streets How can you kill a mother in the arms of her child? No peace for the less all is strict As sun and gun grows wild I will go deeper, but have you seen our land? The poor is prey to the rich Even by the sweat and the works of their hands Now, the poor drops blood to cross the bridge Abandon you say, but there's more to it Have you seen the poor in the circle of the rich? Watch well there's never a chair to sit The poor is slave and never made rich The lions and the leopards scream O! Allow the poor to breathe Yet their laughter flows by like stream The poor is drown and can't breathe Metal rattling sound around all corners Sound of war and never of peace Preaching like the fore runner I mean the beheaded John the Baptist Do you remember the era of Lord Fr...

By Awojobi Khadijat  Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo Central Senatorial District have formally rallied behind Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire ahead of the party’s primaries, praising his three-year record as a benchmark for quality legislative performance and grassroots empowerment. The endorsement emerged during separate gatherings in Ondo town and Akure, where leaders highlighted the senator’s recent "renewed hope mega empowerment programme," which has distributed hundreds of working tools including tricycles, sewing machines, deep freezers, and generators across the district. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, Alhaji Olawoye, a party leader in the senatorial zone, described the senator’s performance as the kind of representation the APC should celebrate. Senator Adegbonmire noted, “The cash incentive is for artisans and widows to put back into their businesses. That is the slogan of the president. I am happy to continue to support Mr. Pr...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho delivered a heroic moment scoring a stoppage-time penalty in the 90+9th minute to secure a 3-2 victory for Celtic over Motherwell at Fir Park.  The late goal proved crucial as it kept Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title defence alive heading into the final weekend of the season. With league leaders Hearts winning comfortably earlier in the day, anything less than three points would have left Celtic needing a miracle on goal difference. Iheanacho, who came off the bench, calmly converted the controversial penalty to give Celtic all three points. The win took the reigning champions to 79 points, just one point behind Hearts. Celtic now face a straightforward task this weekend: they simply need to win their final match at Celtic Park against their opponent to clinch the title. A draw or defeat will hand Hearts their first Scottish Premiership title since 1960. The Nigerian forward’s late heroics have...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Nigeria’s star hurdler Tobi Amusan claimed the country’s first gold medal at the 2026 African Athletics Championships with a dominant victory in the women’s 100m hurdles final in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Amusan, the world record holder, powered to victory in a championship record time of 12.83 seconds, securing her third consecutive African title in the event. She had previously won gold in Asaba 2018 and Mauritius 2022. The 29-year-old led from start to finish, dominating both the heats and semi-finals before producing a commanding performance in the final. Her compatriot, US-based hurdler Adaobi Tabugbo, finished strongly to take bronze, marking her first individual senior medal for Nigeria. Ashley Miller of South Africa prevented and Nigerian 1-2 finish by claiming silver. Amusan’s gold medal win has boosted Nigeria’s medal hopes at the championships and further cements her status as Africa’s undisputed queen of the hurd...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Four African nations have successfully qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place in Poland from 5 to 27 September 2026. The qualified teams are Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, and Tanzania. Nigeria and Ghana secured their spots from the WAFU B zone (West Africa Zone B), while Benin and Tanzania earned historic qualifications — both making their debut appearances at the tournament. Nigeria, with 11 previous appearances since 2002, and Ghana with 7 previous appearances since 2010, are the experienced campaigners from the group. Benin and Tanzania will be making their first-ever appearances at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, marking significant milestones for both countries. Notably, three of the four African qualifiers (Nigeria, Ghana and Benin) came from the WAFU B zone, further highlighting the growing strength and depth of women’s football in West Africa at the youth level. The qualification was determined through ...

By Enakaye Peculiar  The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following reports of the death of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, popularly known as “Ikuku.” The news sparked emotional reactions from colleagues, fans and other celebrities across social media. Actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli expressed deep sadness over the actor’s passing, describing him as a close friend. She lamented the loss and reflected on moments and plans they had shared before his death. Media entrepreneur Mo Abudu also paid tribute to Ekubo, recalling their relationship and describing him as respectful, kind and hardworking. She noted that the actor often called her “Mum” and said she would greatly miss him. Veteran actress Kate Henshaw remembered the support Ekubo gave her after the death of her mother, while actress Yvonne Jegede and several others also shared emotional messages in honour of the late actor. Alexx Ekubo was widely recognised for his contributions to Nollyw...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved Nigeria’s proposal to host the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony and the Confederation of African Football’s 48th Ordinary General Assembly. The approval was granted during a meeting between President Tinubu and CAF President Patrice Motsepe at the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. Officials present at the meeting included Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, former NFF President and CAF Presidential Adviser Amaju Pinnick, and CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu. According to a statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation, “The President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has approved Nigeria’s proposed hosting of the 48th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football, as well as this year’s CAF Awards Ceremony.” The 48th CAF Ordinary Genera...

By Enakaye Peculiar  The Nigerian Railway Corporation says it moved 176,820 tonnes of cargo through the Apapa Port rail corridor in the first quarter of 2026, according to its latest operational report. The corporation recorded 198 freight trips during the period, driven mainly by operations at APM Terminals and ENL Consortium terminals in Lagos. The report showed that APM Terminals accounted for 129,240 tonnes of cargo movement, while ENL terminals handled 47,580 tonnes. March was the busiest month for APMT, with 50 freight services transporting 55,640 tonnes of cargo. Among operators using the rail corridor, Eromma recorded 32 freight trips and moved 28,280 tonnes, while other operators included APM Terminals, CCECC Track Access, Depotter, Ajuba Containers and Starlink. The NRC said the performance reflects growing confidence in rail transportation as an alternative for cargo evacuation. Stakeholders have continued to call for improved multimodal transport systems to ...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and his family were all smiles as they celebrated Omonia Nicosia’s 2025/26 Cypriot First Division title triumph on the pitch. Uzoho kept a clean sheet in the decisive final match as Omonia defeated Aris Limassol 3-0 on Saturday, May 2, 2026, to clinch the championship and end a five-year title drought. This victory marked Omonia’s record 22nd league title. The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who joined the club permanently in 2021, made five league appearances this season, keeping three clean sheets during the campaign. He was pictured celebrating joyfully with his wife and young sons on the field immediately after the final whistle. This is Uzoho’s first league title with Omonia, capping a successful season in which he played a key role in the club’s title-winning run. The victory has been widely celebrated by Omonia fans, who praised Uzoho’s contributions between the posts. Many Nigerian supporters have also ...

By Enakaye Peculiar  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka A. Fadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s internal security system and intelligence coordination. The appointment was disclosed in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana. The statement said the appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to improving intelligence-driven operations, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and tackling emerging security threats across the country. Major General Fadewa, a retired military officer with more than three decades of experience, was described as a seasoned security expert with vast knowledge in military intelligence, counter-terrorism operations, and international security diplomacy. The Presidency noted that his caree...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced a crucial save in the dying minutes as Brighton & Hove Albion staged a dramatic comeback to beat Liverpool 3-2 and qualify for their first-ever Women’s FA Cup final. Brighton trailed 2-0 inside the first 22 minutes at St Helens Stadium on Sunday, May 10, 2026, but fought back strongly to level the score by the 54th minute. With the semi-final hanging in the balance, Nnadozie kept her side in the tie with a vital near-post parry from Liverpool substitute Aurelie Csillag. Nadine Noordam then scored a dramatic winner in the 95th minute to send Brighton to Wembley. The Seagulls will now face Manchester City in the 2025/26 Women’s FA Cup final on Sunday, May 31, 2026. For Nnadozie, the performance adds to her growing reputation in English football. The Nigerian shot-stopper, who last season helped Paris FC win their first title in 20 years with her penalty heroics, is now on the verge of gu...

By Adewusi Aisha  A mother’s love is the only place where even broken children still feel worthy of being held. She hides her pain inside ordinary days. Inside food on the table. Inside “Did you sleep well?” Inside prayers whispered when everyone else is asleep. Nobody really sees how much a mother sacrifices. The dreams she postpones. The tears she wipes away quickly. The way she carries the weight of everyone while pretending she is not tired. A mother can be hurting deeply and still ask if you are okay first. That kind of love is not normal love. It is the kind that bleeds quietly without asking to be noticed. And one day, you suddenly realize the woman you kept calling “Mama” was fighting silent battles while still trying to make your life soft. You notice her aging hands. Her slower footsteps. The tiredness hidden in her smile. And your heart breaks a little because mothers make sacrifice look so easy that children rarely understand it in time. If love had a face, ...

By Igwe Grace  During a lecture recently, a simple mention of an old poem sparked an unexpected moment in class. The lecturer began reminiscing about poems from his own school days, especially Abiku, the famous works by John Pepper Clark and Wole Soyinka. Hearing those names immediately brought back memories. For some people, Abiku is more than just a poem studied in school. In many homes, it has remained a lasting memory long after secondary school days are gone. One student in the class had grown up hearing the poem repeatedly because of her mother, who still remembers it from her own school days decades ago. Even today, she can still recite the poem from beginning to end without missing a line. As the lecturer tried to remember certain parts of the poem during the discussion  “Do stay out of the baobab tree” the student quietly followed along, already familiar with the verses from hearing them so often at home. At some point, she mentioned that her mother could ...

By Emmanuel Uduak-Obong Esther  My birth in centuries ago, They cried, giving me no Other property than a man, The world before left me sore. Giving me out to just anyone, Without my consent, No one saw me as a lioness, They all saw and called my existence bad luck. In Africa, I was not known, I was left on the farm with hoes and ridges, I was left in my husband's house to mourn and die, As silence was my watchword. But I carried life within me, And life does not stay silent, Life rises, Today I am the change the world is desperate to see. My womb is a shelter to all living beings, I am the mother of all, I give care to all, even those I know not, I am a shield and a shelter. I am as sweet as honey, I shine brightly like the sun, I add beauty to the day with my smile, I am breaking limits now. Crossing the sky and leaving marks on the sands of time, I am a mother, The heartbeat of every generation, And the world is blessed because I stayed. So here is my song, my offeri...

By Emmanuel Uduak-Obong Esther I am coming, allow me think a bit. Was our journey this far a feat? Please, take a seat, we need to talk. Let us talk and not in distress suck. Move closer, I have lots of things to say. With my life I will not pay. We have carried the weight of borrowed chains, Wounds from history still coursing in our veins. Come, grab a seat, let us talk. Do not ask me what we should talk, but let us talk. I know things are hard, I will say it and not pad. Sleep seems far from the eyes these days. Do not lie, let us save the nays. I tell you, your shadow says it all, Like a heavy darkness before a fall. You walked down the mall of life But end up driven by the hands of strife. Your smile has become so sour, Now even your wings cannot soar. I hear you say to them I am strong, But deep down you know it is wrong. For how can you be so strong When every night you sit and moan? In this world, we are made to fight, Not by might and neither by sight, But by Him wh...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Victor Osimhen delivered a match-winning performance as he scored a brace to help Galatasaray secure the 2025/26 Turkish Süper Lig title with a 4-2 victory over Antalyaspor on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The Super Eagles striker netted twice in the second half to complete a comeback after Galatasaray had trailed 2-1. His goals in the 66th and 71st minutes turned the match around and secured the league crown in front of their home fans. Antalyaspor had taken a shock lead just before half-time through Soner Dikmen (45th minute). Mario Lemina equalised for Galatasaray in the 56th minute, but Antalyaspor regained the lead with a brilliant free-kick in the 62nd minute. That was when Osimhen took over. Despite playing with a protective hand brace and face mask following his recent arm injury, Osimhen showed  determination and a warrior spirit. His brace took his goal tally for the season even higher and earned him widespread praise as the hero of...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after edging out Malawi 3-2 on aggregate in the final qualifying round. Despite losing the second leg 2-1 away to Malawi on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, the Falconets advanced after a 2-0 victory in the first leg on May 2 at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State. In the first leg, Nigeria took the lead through an own goal by Malawi’s Maureen Kenneth in the 46th minute, before Kindness Ifeanyi added a second goal in the 57th minute. In the return leg, Faith Chimzimu scored twice for Malawi (9th and 56th minutes), but Oscar Precious pulled one back for Nigeria in the 62nd minute. The Falconets, coached by Moses Aduku, showed great resilience to hold on to their aggregate lead despite Malawi’s spirited fightback in the second leg. This qualification marks Nigeria’s 12th consecutive appea...