RoundReports

Nigerian footballers were in the spotlight across Europe over the weekend, delivering goals, assists and commanding performances as the 2025/26 campaign gathered pace.  From England to Spain, Germany, Italy and France, Super Eagles players made their mark for their clubs. Italy Maduka Okoye (Udinese)   Maduka Okoye produced another assured display between the sticks, keeping his seventh clean sheet of the season as Udinese defeated Genoa 2-0 away on Friday night.  Genoa struck the woodwork twice, but Okoye’s organisation and sharp reflexes ensured his side held firm.  The recalled Super Eagles goalkeeper registered two saves, two punches, two clearances and six recoveries, underlining his growing consistency in Serie A. Germany Philip Otele (Hamburger SV)   Philip Otele marked his maiden Super Eagles call-up with his first Bundesliga goal, though Hamburg fell 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund.  The winger struck in the 19th minute, showing composure to bea...

The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for renewed commitment to equitable access to water and sanitation, describing it as a cornerstone for advancing gender equality nationwide. In a message to celebrate World Water Day 2026, observed on March 22, Tinubu cited the year’s theme, Water and Gender, alongside the campaign slogan, Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.  She said persistent gaps in access to clean and safe water continue to weigh most heavily on women and girls. Across many communities, she maintained, women and girls remain responsible for sourcing water for household use, often travelling long distances to streams and water points.  The burden, she explained, comes at a direct cost to education, health and economic opportunity. Tinubu argued that improving access to potable water would deliver benefits far beyond meeting basic needs.  READ ALSO : First Lady Receives New Chieftaincy Title in Ile-Ife Reliable water supply, she said, enables girls t...

The Nigerian Army has announced the start of online applications for its 91st Regular Recruits Intake (91RRI), targeting both tradesmen and non-tradesmen. In a notice issued on Sunday, the Army said the recruitment portal will open on 30 March 2026 and close on 17 May 2026, urging interested candidates to apply within the stipulated timeframe. Eligibility requirements Applicants must be single Nigerian citizens by birth and possess valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN), with matching personal details. Candidates are also required to be medically, physically and mentally fit, and must have no criminal record. Educationally, applicants must hold a minimum of four credits, including English, in not more than two sittings. Those applying as tradesmen or women are required to present recognised trade qualifications, such as Trade Test or City & Guild certificates. Age limits have been set at 18 to 22 years for non-trades applicants, while trades c...

Prominent opposition figures converged in Kano State on Sunday for the " first stirrings of coalition-building " ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.   Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson joined Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, for a Sallah visit at his residence.   The gathering drew a large crowd of Kwankwasiyya supporters, with discussions reportedly centred on strengthening alliances and exploring strategies for the next election cycle.   Addressing the supporters, Obi stressed the importance of unity among opposition parties.  “ I’m here to felicitate with you on the occasion of the Sallah and to pay my respects to our leader ,” he said, while also assuring Kano residents of plans to revive the state’s industrial base.  READ ALSO : Nigeria Offers Support to Stabilise Global Oil Supply He mentioned ...

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu has ordered a reduction in tactical teams across police formations nationwide in a bid to strengthen supervision and address public complaints.   Under the directive, zonal and state commands will be limited to a maximum of five tactical teams, while area commands and divisions may operate no more than three.   Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, confirmed the move in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.  Placid explained that the decision followed talks over the proliferation of tactical units and alleged excesses by poorly supervised teams.   According to him, the reduction will be achieved through merging or disbanding teams at the discretion of heads of formations.  The measure is expected to free up personnel for deployment to police stations and divisions, many of which have suffered manpower shortages due to the growing number of tactical units. READ ALSO :  Cuba Plunge...

Joint security operatives on Sunday repelled a suspected bandits’ attack on an ECWA Church in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, rescuing three abducted worshippers in the process. The incident occurred during a church service, when armed men stormed the premises and abducted no fewer than seven people, sparking panic among congregants and residents.  Security forces, including forest guards and local vigilantes, swiftly intervened to contain the situation. Confirming the development, the State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said three victims were rescued while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of others.   “ We commend the immediate and coordinated response of the security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes, which led to the rescue of three of the abducted victims and helped to repel the attackers ,” she said. READ ALSO : Ozoro Residents Reject ‘Rape Festival’ Label for Aluedor Rite Olukoju added that the gov...

President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will receive military support from France, including equipment and training, following a weekend phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.   Speaking in Lagos on Sunday during a meeting with state governors at his Ikoyi residence, Tinubu said the collaboration was part of wider efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and other security threats.  The President had just returned from a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom (UK), where defence cooperation was also high on the agenda.   Tinubu told governors that Nigeria was prepared to draw on its goodwill and credit lines to secure the resources needed for its armed forces.  “ I can report to you, yesterday again, at a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, their collaboration with us for equipment and support . “ If we have to spend our goodwill and line of credit, we have those who are willing to support us with equipment and tra...

A local lad with a Manchester postcode etched on his arm delivered the decisive blow as Manchester City extinguished Arsenal’s quadruple ambitions at Wembley Stadium, producing a ruthless second-half display to claim the Carabao Cup. Nico O’Reilly, another of Pep Guardiola’s tactical creations, was the unlikely matchwinner.  An attacker redeployed at full-back, O’Reilly has operated in six roles this season and arrived at the final with no reputation as a goalscorer. He left with a brace that turned the contest. Arsenal began brightly, finding early joy against Guardiola’s bold 4-2-4 set-up, which again left City exposed in the opening exchanges.  A stunning triple save from James Trafford, handed another cup start, kept the Gunners at bay after a move that split City’s fragile rearguard.  Yet beyond set-pieces, Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to land the final pass, their momentum fading as the first half wore on. City, short of Ruben Dias at centre-back, accepted the risk...

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity across Nigeria, saying improved security is essential to economic growth and shared prosperity. The president spoke on Sunday while hosting Kashim Shettima, and 23 state governors at his Lagos residence to celebrate Eid el-Fitr.  According to a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu told the gathering that the country’s next notable test was confronting insecurity. “ Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress and prosperity ,” Tinubu said. He added that he was strengthening international contacts to secure equipment and operational support for Nigeria’s security agencies. The president disclosed that discussions held during recent engagements in the United Kingdom (UK) had focused on security assistance, and confirmed a fresh round of talks with French President Emmanuel Macron aimed at boosting cooperation with similar outreach under way with other countries. Beyond security, the president u...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the £746 million financing agreement signed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, describing it as a lopsided arrangement that favours the British economy while increasing Nigeria’s debt burden. In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the agreement, presented by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a diplomatic win, amounted to a commercial loan structured primarily to support UK manufacturing and jobs. According to the ADC, the deal to rehabilitate the Tin Can and Apapa ports in Lagos is being financed through the UK’s export credit system, with guarantees provided by UK Export Finance under its Buyer Credit Facility and arranged by Citibank, N.A. London Branch. The opposition party argued that such facilities typically require substantial UK content, meaning much of the funding either remains in Britain or is paid directly to British suppliers.  It be...