Football icons George Weah and Didier Drogba are among a group of 16 former players appointed by FIFA to a new panel dedicated to tackling racism in football. The initiative, announced at FIFA’s annual congress in Thailand in May 2024, has now taken shape with a line-up of influential voices from across the globe revealed earlier today, September 5. The panel, called Players’ Voice, brings together both male and female football legends from 14 different countries. It will play a central role in advising FIFA on anti-racism strategies, shaping educational programmes, and driving reforms aimed at changing football’s culture. Weah,…
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A major fire on Friday gutted A1 Petroleum Filling Station on Isawo Road, off Agric Bus Stop, Ikorodu, Lagos, sparking panic among residents and commuters. According to The PUNCH, eyewitnesses claimed that the fire started from a diesel-laden truck parked inside the station’s premises, forcing people in the area to run for safety amid fears of a possible explosion. Naija News reports that videos circulating on social media showed officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency responders battling to contain the inferno. However, as of press time, no official details had been released on casualties…
The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has confirmed Gabon’s Pierre Ghislain Atcho as the centre referee for the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup qualifying clash between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana. Atcho, regarded as one of Africa’s rising refereeing figures, will be supported by an all-Gabonese team. Boris Marlaise Ditsoga will serve as assistant referee one, while Amos Abeigne Ndong has been named assistant referee two. Cregue Fleury Moukagni completes the crew as the fourth official. In addition to the Gabonese officiating team, FIFA also appointed the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Olivier Safari Kabene as referee…
Former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has condemned the sealing of the venue where the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was scheduled to hold a meeting on Saturday. Rhodes-Vivour, in a statement via his 𝕏 account on Friday, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of being behind the sealing and accused the ruling party of using state resources to stifle opposition voices in Lagos. He lamented that the ADC had obtained all necessary approvals for the venue, but the APC, out of fear for the growing popularity of the opposition party and the Obidient movement, used…
Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru says he is determined to achieve his biggest career dream, representing the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup. Dele-Bashiru, a 24-year-old Super Eagles midfielder, has enjoyed a steady rise in his career. He spent three years at English Championship side, Sheffield Wednesday before moving to Turkey with Hatayspor in 2023. After just one season in the Super Lig, he sealed a move to Serie A side Lazio, where he featured in the UEFA Europa League last season. Now, the midfielder has set his sights on the football’s biggest tournament. “The World Cup, that’s…
As Nigeria gears up for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, midfielder Alex Iwobi has singled out Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredrick for praise. The Super Eagles will face Rwanda at 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, before taking on South Africa next Tuesday, with both games vital for their qualification hopes. Iwobi, who plays his club football for Fulham, said he was impressed with the two young players after watching them in training under coach Eric Chelle. “We had a light training session, and I got to see their [Fredrick and Agu] qualities,…
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has knocked President Bola Tinubu for spending much of his tenure abroad, questioning the timing and priorities of his trips. Naija News reports that Obi, in a tweet on Friday, pointed out that Tinubu left the country again for Europe barely six days after returning from a previous engagement, marking what is reportedly his tenth visit to France in two years. Obi highlighted the contrast between the President’s frequent foreign trips and the pressing challenges Nigerians face at home. He said that over 79% of the population is experiencing food insecurity, while Nigeria has recently…
The race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking shape as 16 countries have now sealed qualification for the expanded global football event. On Thursday, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay became the latest teams from South America to secure their places after decisive results in the second-to-last round of the World Cup qualifiers. Uruguay and Colombia both celebrated emphatic 3-0 victories, while Paraguay’s goalless draw was enough to guarantee their ticket. They join regional giants, Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador, who had already booked their spots earlier in the campaign. The 2026 tournament promises to be historic, featuring a record 48…
Sujimoto Construction CEO, Olasijibomi Ogundele, has rejected allegations of fraud after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) listed him as wanted for alleged fund diversion and money laundering. Naija News reports that the EFCC, through a notice shared on its official X handle on Friday, asked anyone with credible information on Ogundele’s location to come forward. The notice was signed by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale. Ogundele, in a video seen on Twitter, said he is not a fugitive and described the allegations as unjust. The Lagos-based property developer explained that the issues arose from…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Ayoola Olajolo as the new Director of Administration at its National Secretariat. Barr. Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary, announced the appointment in a statement on Friday. Naija News reports that Olajolo, a lawyer and experienced public administrator, is expected to manage the party’s daily operations and oversee its administrative activities. Olajolo, who hails from Ile-Ife in Osun State, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2016. He began his public service career in local government, serving as Secretary of Ife Central Local Government from 1999 to 2003 before being elected Chairman. These…
