The Compass

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has broken his silence on the current goalkeeping situation, acknowledging Maduka Okoye’s impressive performances as Nigeria’s new first-choice shot-stopper. Nwabali, who was Nigeria’s undisputed No.1 earlier this year, has been absent from the national team setup since the Africa Cup of Nations. His lack of club football after mutually terminating his contract with Chippa United has resulted in his omission from recent squads, opening the door for competition. During a recent live session with fans, Nwabali offered a measured response when asked about his national team future. He said: “It’s not everybody that will keep. A lot of players need to play also.” The comment reflects his understanding of the situation while subtly acknowledging the importance of regular game time. Maduka Okoye has taken full advantage of the opportunity, delivering strong performances against Poland and Portugal. His sharp...

By Oghenetega Victor  Portugal Edge Super Eagles 2-1 in Leiria Friendly Portugal defeated the Super Eagles 2-1 in an international friendly played on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, Portugal. Pedro Neto opened the scoring for the hosts in the 23rd minute. Akor Adams equalised for Nigeria in the 37th minute with a clinical finish, capitalising on a defensive error to level the score before half-time. However, Francisco Conceição scored the winner for Portugal in the 74th minute with a well-taken strike. The match marked a significant milestone for Alex Iwobi, who was substituted to warm applause after earning his 100th cap for Nigeria. In the absence of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams stepped up impressively alongside Terem Moffi, showing good physicality and composure. The result ended Eric Chelle’s impressive 12-match unbeaten run in regulation time. Despite the defeat, the Super Eagles showed promising moments an...

By Adenuga Toheeb Ayoola Lagos Commences 500-Tree Initiative to End Extreme Heat 
Lagos State Government starts a new environmental initiative aimed to end extreme heat, rising urban temperatures, by planting 500 trees across the state. The announcement was made last Friday, June 5, during the 2026 World Environment Day celebration in Alausa, Ikeja where officials warned that rapid urbanization and climate change are increasing heat-related risks for residents of the state. Speaking during the event, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olalekan Rotimi-Akodu, called for greater adoption of nature-based solutions, including tree planting, for better climate condition.  “Rapid urbanisation, population growth, traffic congestion with concrete and asphalt surfaces are all contributing to rising temperatures and the Urban Heat Island effect in cities,” Akodu said. He stated that Lagos, being Africa’s most populous city, faces growing threats from extreme heat, fl...

By Oghenetega Victor  Iwobi Sets to Reach 100 Caps for Super Eagles Against Portugal Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi is on the verge of a major career milestone as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for Nigeria in Wednesday’s international friendly against Portugal. The Fulham star currently has 99 caps and will become only the fourth Nigerian player in history to reach the century mark if he features in Leiria. He will join an elite group that includes Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, and Ahmed Musa. Iwobi made his senior international debut in October 2015 against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Now aged 30, the attacking midfielder has grown into one of Nigeria’s most consistent and dependable performers over the past decade. He has featured in multiple major tournaments, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup and five Africa Cup of Nations campaigns. The Fulham midfielder has scored 10 international goals for the Super Eagles, with several of them coming in cruci...

By Fatimah Salu Ex-Minister Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons Rescued from Kidnappers The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued Mrs. Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons after they were held captive for 84 hours. The victims regained their freedom on Saturday evening following a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT). According to a senior police source in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the rescue operation took place at approximately 7:30 p.m. which involved a gun battle with the abductors. Two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded during the exchange, and two rifles were recovered from them. The hostages were rescued unharmed and are now receiving medical care and support, while a manhunt is underway for other gang members who escaped with gunshot injuries. The abduction occurred on Wednesday morning in the Elewura-Challenge area of Ibadan ...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Super Eagles defender Igoh Ogbu suffers lay off as he is  set to miss Nigeria’s international friendly against Portugal on Wednesday, after sustaining a serious injury during a recent training session. According to reports, preliminary medical assessments suggest the 26-year-old centre-back has suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon, which is expected to sideline him for a significant period, ruling him out for the remainder of the year and a large chunk of next season. Ogbu had become a key figure in the Super Eagles defence, stepping up significantly following the international retirement of former captain William Troost-Ekong. Since making his debut during the 2025 Unity Cup, the Slavia Prague defender has earned 12 caps and played an important role in Nigeria’s bronze medal-winning campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The injury represents a major blow for both club and country. Ogbu had just helped SK Slavia Pr...

By Adenuga Toheeb Ayoola  The  presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, calls on Nigerian youths to take back their country and not to normalise failed government as he expressed concern over the increasing cases of insecurity and normalising leadership failure. “The Nigerian youth must not become indifferent. We must all refuse to normalise failure. Young Nigerians, take back your country,” He repeated his long-standing message that: “A New Nigeria is Possible,” calling for collective action to address the country’s security and governance challenges. The Nigerian Democratic Congress stated that Nigeria recorded about ten school abductions during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, while more than ten such incidents have allegedly occurred within the first three years of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.     Peter Obi asked  if  Nigerians had become so used to insecurity that incid...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of highly-rated Nigerian teenager Zadok Abu Yohanna from AIK Stockholm on a five-year contract. The 18-year-old winger has signed a deal that will keep him at the club until 2031. Brighton paid a fixed fee of €28 million, with an additional €2 million in performance-related add-ons. Yohanna turned down interest from several top European clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle United, RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, and Borussia Dortmund, to join the Seagulls. He is seen as one of the most promising young talents to emerge from Nigeria in recent years. The youngster was signed by AIK Stockholm from Ikon Allah Football Academy in 2025. He spent less than two months in the Swedish club’s academy before earning promotion to the first team due to his outstanding potential. His rapid rise attracted scouts from across Europe, with multiple agents reportedly attending his matches regu...

By Adenuga Toheeb Ayoola "Govt Can Trace critics in minutes Not Terrorists” Says Dalung The Former Minister of sports, Solomon Dalung, accused the political administration of President Tinubu of lacking the will to confront Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, saying the government is more focused on 2027 politics than protection of lives lost to terrorism and kidnappings. According to the statement made during Arise TV’s Morning Show on Friday, June 5, Dalung delivered a sharp critique of the government’s security response and overall leadership record, Vanguard reported on Saturday. “Government seems not to have the political will to deal with it. They have all the equipments to track anybody who criticises the government, they can pick him up in the next five minutes but not terrorists who show off huge phones in the forest, behead teachers, abduct schoolchildren, torture them in the forest, produce videos and send,” he said. On politics ahead of 2027, Dalung said Nige...

By Oghenetega Victor  “Future Not Up To Me” says Azeez Amid Interest From Aston Villa & Ipswich Super Eagles winger Femi Azeez has admitted that his future is out of his hands as speculation over a summer transfer continues to intensify. According to Flashscore, the 24-year-old has attracted serious interest from Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Ipswich Town following an impressive breakthrough season with Millwall in the Championship. Azeez scored 11 goals and provided 8 assists in 35 appearances across all competitions as Millwall reached the playoffs but fell short against Hull City. His performances earned him a place in the EFL Championship Team of the Season and also caught the eye of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who handed him his senior debut during the Unity Cup, where he scored a brace against Zimbabwe and provided an assist in the final. Speaking on the growing transfer links, Azeez remained measured, saying “It is not up to me, you know. Now I am ...

By Adenuga Toheeb Ayoola  LSSTF Donates security Equipments To Lagos Police Command The Lagos State Security Trust Fund donates modern security equipments and protective gadgets to the Lagos State Police Command to strengthen security operations and heighten effective policing across the state. The Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Lagos State Governor, Wale Ajetunmobi, revealed this in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, stated that the Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, presented the items, described the intervention as a proactive action to heighten the morale of security personnel while improving security coverage across Lagos. “The essence of this intervention is to ensure that our security personnel are properly equipped to respond effectively to emerging threats and maintain public safety across Lagos,” he said. The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, who received the equipments on behalf of the Lagos police command expressed ...

By Igwe Grace   The Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) will hold its third inaugural lecture on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The lecture, titled "Maximising the Potentials of Wetlands: The Estate Surveyors' and Valuers' Perspectives," will be delivered by Professor Mayowa Olusola Ajibola. According to the announcement from the Directorate of Public Relations, the lecture will explore how wetlands influence estates, economies, and the future of sustainable development. The event is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m., with seating from 1:30 p.m., at the 500-Seat Capacity Auditorium, College of Agriculture, LASUSTECH. The university described the lecture as an opportunity to gain fresh insights into the value and potential of wetlands beyond traditional land development. Interested participants can visit www.lasustech.edu.ng for more information.

By Oghenetega Victor  “Save the Teachers, Bring Back Our Children” – Oshoala’s Message After Scoring Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala sent a strong social message after scoring from the penalty spot in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Senegal in their international friendly at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne. While celebrating her 32nd-minute goal, the six-time African Women’s Player of the Year raised her wrist to reveal a handwritten message on her tape that read: “Save the teachers. Bring back our children.” The gesture was a show of solidarity with the victims of the recent school kidnapping in Oyo State, where 45 schoolchildren and several teachers were abducted, with one teacher reportedly killed. Oshoala used her platform to draw attention to the growing concerns over insecurity and the need for urgent action to protect schools, teachers, and children across the country. Toni Payne doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 41st minute, while Senegal pulled one back in the 87th minu...

By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor  The Super Eagles played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Poland in an international friendly match at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Terem Moffi gave Nigeria the lead in the 22nd minute with a well-taken finish. Poland responded strongly and equalised just before half-time through Kacper Potulski. In the second half, Paul Onuachu restored Nigeria’s advantage by converting a penalty in the 76th minute, but Poland fought back once again as Przemysław Wiśniewski scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in the 95th minute to snatch a point for the hosts. The result sees the Super Eagles maintain their unbeaten run under coach Eric Chelle in this international window, following their Unity Cup success. However, the late concession will be a point of concern for the technical crew, especially in terms of concentration and game management in the closing stages. Despite the draw, there were positive signs in att...

By Emmanuel Esther, Enakaye Peculiar  LASUSTECH Mass Communication to Host Beyond the Degree 2.0 T he Department of Mass Communication, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), will host the second edition of its career development programme, "Beyond the Degree 2.0," on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the 500-Seater Auditorium, Ikorodu Campus. The event, jointly organised by the Mass Communication Students Association (MACSA) and the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ), is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. According to the press statement released by the 300 level PRAD students, it states that the programme will focus on the theme "Graduating into Entrepreneurship: The Future of Media Practitioners," and is designed to prepare students and young media professionals for opportunities within the evolving media landscape. Student leadership said the event seeks "to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry realities by empoweri...

By Oghenetega Victor  Senegal Win U-17 AFCON Title After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Victory Senegal were crowned champions of the Total Energies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, after defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the final on Tuesday at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat yesterday. Tanzania took a surprise lead in the 7th minute through Hamis Chenga, but Senegal equalised in the 64th minute when Ibrahima Dione tapped home from close range after the Tanzanian goalkeeper failed to hold a free-kick. Neither side could find a winner in normal time, leading to a tense penalty shootout. Senegal showed superior composure from the spot, converting all four of their penalties through Faye, Sadio, Dione, and Thior. Tanzania scored twice but missed two attempts, handing Senegal their second U-17 AFCON title. The Young Lions of Teranga displayed remarkable resilience throughout the tournament, recovering from tough moments to lift t...

By Adenuga Toheeb Ayoola CAN Urges FG to Declare State of Emergency on Insecurity The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to urgently declare a state of emergency due to insecurity to protect the lives and property of citizens. The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the presentation of a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s National Church Leaders Summit 2026. According to the reports made by News Agency of Nigeria, the summit, titled “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward,” clarified that the call was not a threat to President Bola Tinubu’s administration but a necessary reminder for the government to rise responsibility of protecting citizens. "We are talking to a government that still has a level of responsibility, and so they will listen. We hope that when they listen, they will do the needful, he said. “It has come to that point where the government will have to declar...

By Adenuga Toheeb Ayoola "Nigeria will soon overcome security challenges” Says Oluremi Tinubu The first Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, assured Nigerians of President Tinubu’s commitment to making the country safe for all citizens, stating that Nigeria will soon overcome its security challenges. The First Lady spoke in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, during her engagement with Ekiti State traditional rulers. Her comment was in response to the call for a review of the kidnapping law and the fast-tracking of the process to create state police. The First Lady said, “President Tinubu has entered into partnership with developed countries like the United States of America and others, and is taking internal security measures to smash those terrorising the country and stoking the fire of killings and kidnappings across the geopolitical zones.” She stated further that the terrorists are non-Nigerians,and Nigeria is too great to be intimidated as well as assuring Nigerians that the...

     By Oghenetega Victor  Ajibade, Oshoala & Nnadozie Lead Super Falcons Squad for Senegal Friendlies Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has unveiled a 23-player squad for the upcoming double-header international friendlies against Senegal. The squad is headlined by key veterans and experienced campaigners including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, star striker Asisat Oshoala, and established goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Madugu has also recalled midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, who brings leadership and experience to the engine room. Notable inclusions are Belarus-based forward Blessing Nkor and Turkey-based midfielder Kafayat Shittu, who have earned their first call-ups in recent times. The squad also features in-form players such as Rinsola Babajide, Shukurat Oladipo, Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini, Halimatu Ayinde, Francisca Ordega, Gift Monday, and home-based talents like defender Sikiratu Isah and goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi. The Super ...