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Nigeria’s D’Tigers will face a stern test as the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers enter the second round, with five tickets to the global showpiece in Qatar up for grabs.

The second round brings together 12 of Africa’s leading basketball nations, divided into Group E and Group F, with the fourth qualifying window scheduled for August 24 to September 1, 2026.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group E alongside Cameroon, South Sudan, Guinea, Tunisia and Cabo Verde, with the group’s games taking place in Radès, Tunisia.

D’Tigers will begin their campaign against Cameroon on August 27 before facing South Sudan the following day. Their final game of the window will be against Cabo Verde on August 30.

Other fixtures in the group will see Guinea face South Sudan and Tunisia take on Cabo Verde on August 27. On August 28, Cameroon will battle Tunisia, while Cabo Verde will meet Guinea. The final day of action on August 30 features Guinea against Cameroon and Tunisia versus South Sudan.

Nigeria head into the window ranked fifth of the six teams in Group E, sitting on seven points, one behind Tunisia and two adrift of joint leaders South Sudan, Guinea and Cameroon, who are level on nine.

Nigeria will enter the decisive window with a strengthened 12-man roster featuring several established players, including NBA guard Josh Okogie, Chimezie Metu and Chima Moneke. The roster also includes Caleb Agada, Stan Okoye, Ike Nwamu, Udoka Azubuike, Efe Abogidi, Ebuka Izundu, Manny Obaseki, Jordan Ogundiran and Paul Dibal.

Nigeria will head into the qualifiers with a favourable record against two of their opening opponents. The D’Tigers have faced Cameroon four times, winning three of those encounters, while they boast a perfect record against South Sudan, having emerged victorious in both previous meetings.

Cabo Verde has proved a tougher opponent, however: the sides have met six times, with Nigeria managing just one win, making the final group game a crucial test.

David Fizdale will lead the team as head coach, assisted by Dan Craig, Quinton Crawford, Deji Akindele and Dapo Adegbile.

Group F, staged in Dakar, Senegal, features leaders Senegal alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Angola, Egypt and DR Congo.

The qualification process resumes after the August window for a fifth and final phase in February 2027, after which the top two teams from each group, plus the best third-placed side, will secure places at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.

For D’Tigers, the objective is clear but challenging: negotiate the three-game window successfully, build on their favourable record against Cameroon and South Sudan, and finally get the better of a Cabo Verde side that has had their measure for years.

The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has urged the federal government, state governors and Houses of Assembly to fast-track the establishment and implementation of state police, saying worsening insecurity across the country has made decentralised policing necessary.

The senators expressed concern over recent terrorist attacks in Adamawa and Sokoto states, which they said claimed more than 36 lives, including security personnel and worshippers.

In a statement on Friday, Chairman of the forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central), called on the Presidential Working Group chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, state governors and Houses of Assembly to expedite action on the State Police Bill awaiting ratification.

The forum said the prevailing security challenges required urgent reforms rather than prolonged bureaucratic processes.

‘Decentralised policing is critical to improving response time and intelligence gathering at the grassroots.

‘We cannot continue to lose innocent lives to insurgents while bureaucracy delays critical security reforms. The time to act is now,’ the senators said.

The forum condemned the attacks on the Gaya community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State and Ungushi village in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

It said more than 36 Nigerians, including security personnel and worshippers, were killed in the attacks.

‘The Northern Senators Forum strongly condemns the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Gaya community, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State and in Ungushi village, Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which have claimed the lives of over 36 Nigerians, including security personnel and innocent worshippers,’ the statement said.

The lawmakers commiserated with the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of their souls, while wishing those injured speedy recovery.

Beyond state police, the senators urged state and local governments to strengthen community vigilante groups, describing them as important partners in intelligence gathering for the police and military.

They said closer collaboration between security agencies and local communities would strengthen early warning systems and enable authorities to respond more quickly to emerging threats.

The forum maintained that the recent attacks underscored the need for comprehensive security reforms, warning that further delays could expose more communities and Nigerians to terrorist attacks.

Eleven-time WNBA All-Star and Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) president Nneka Ogwumike has announced that she will retire at the end of the 2026 season, bringing the curtain down on a magnificent 15-year career.

The 36-year-old forward, who was born to Nigerian parents in Texas, revealed her decision during an interview with Taylor Rooks for Boardroom Talks, explaining that her realization came during this spring’s training camp.

‘I feel very fulfilled with the 15 years that I’ve been able to play and compete at such a high level,’ Ogwumike said. ‘Even though I didn’t know what kind of player that I could be in this league, I never thought that I would play this long.

‘It’s a little bit my body. I still feel very good, but I also feel the comfort of slowing down a little bit. I find myself grateful, fulfilled, and at peace with everything this game has given me and everything I’ve poured into it.’

Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2012, Ogwumike established herself as one of the most dominant forces in modern basketball. She led the franchise to a WNBA championship in 2016-the same year she claimed league MVP honors. Across her 15 seasons, including 12 years with Los Angeles and a two-year stint with the Seattle Storm before returning to the Sparks on a one-year deal, Ogwumike holds Sparks franchise records for most points, field goals made, steals, and double-doubles.

Over her storied career, the future Hall of Famer has averaged 16.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while earning eight All-WNBA selections.

Beyond her on-court dominance, Ogwumike’s legacy as WNBPA president has transformed the sport off the court. She spearheaded historic collective bargaining negotiations, including a landmark deal yielding over $1 billion in projected player salaries and benefits over seven years.

‘Nneka will retire at the end of this season leaving the WNBA much better than she found it – a testament not only to the player she has been, but to the person and leader she is,’ WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.

Echoing those sentiments, WNBPA Executive Director Terri Jackson added: ‘Her leadership has been extraordinary. As President for the last decade, Nneka understood that leadership was not simply about having a seat at the table; it was about using that seat to move the game forward for every player.’

If the Sparks miss the postseason, Ogwumike’s final professional appearance will take place on September 24 against the Golden State Valkyries at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

‘I don’t want to treat any transition or any change like the end,’ Ogwumike reflected. ‘I am very proud and fulfilled in what I’ve been able to do on the court, but there are so many doors that will allow me to discover myself and transition on my own terms.’

The 2026 NPFL Super 6 Invitational Pre-Season Tournament continues today with two matches scheduled for Matchday Three.

Mighty Jets FC will take on Katsina United at 2pm before Plateau United FC face Rangers International at 4pm.

Both matches are expected to provide another opportunity for the participating clubs to assess their squads and fine-tune their preparations ahead of the new NPFL season.

The tournament has brought together six clubs divided into two groups, with the competition also serving as an important pre-season exercise before the commencement of the league campaign.

Actors from the Yoruba film industry held a special prayer session for veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as he continues to battle health challenges.

In a video circulating on social media on Friday, several prominent Yoruba film stars gathered to pray for Allah’s mercy, divine intervention, strength and complete healing for the actor.

Those present included Jide Kosoko, Fausat Balogun (aka Madam Saje), Yinka Quadri, Rotimi Salami, Mr Latin, Adewale Elesho and Antar Laniyan.

The prayer session comes amid growing concern over Ogogo’s health.

His family and colleagues have urged Nigerians to keep praying for him.

Earlier this week, Kosoko appealed to fans and well-wishers to continue praying for Ogogo.

In a statement on his Instagram page on Wednesday, he also explained why the actor could not be moved to another facility despite offers of spiritual and medical help, citing his current medical condition.

The appeal followed an emotional request from Ogogo’s daughters, who sought medical assistance for their father amid reports that he is battling stage-four cancer.

The veteran’s condition has triggered an outpouring of support from across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with colleagues asking the public to keep him in their prayers.

The Citizens Forum for Energy Accountability and Development (CFEAD) has commended the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for what it described as progress in restoring confidence, increasing production and attracting fresh investment into Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The group said recent developments announced by NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, and NUPRC Commission Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, showed that sustained institutional reforms and stronger operational discipline could reposition the petroleum industry as a driver of economic growth.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Executive Director, Patriot Unazi Gideon, CFEAD said the reported $20 billion worth of gas sale and purchase agreements secured by NNPC in the past year represented a significant vote of confidence in Nigeria’s energy market.

‘The signing of gas sale and purchase agreements worth more than $20 billion is not simply a commercial achievement for NNPC. It is a strong signal to the international investment community that Nigeria remains open for business and is capable of providing the policy direction, resources and commercial opportunities required for long-term energy investments,’ Gideon said.

Ojulari had disclosed that the agreements covered 1.29 billion standard cubic feet per day of long-term LNG feed gas and 750 million standard cubic feet per day of domestic industrial gas supply to DFL FZE and Dangote Refinery, with seven additional commercial transactions in the pipeline.

The group also praised NNPC for reducing operating costs by $3.4 billion through contract restructuring and optimisation, while recording a six percent increase in crude oil production and an 8.1 percent increase in gas production.

CFEAD said the reported increase in crude production to about 1.71 million barrels per day, the highest level in five years, was particularly significant given the challenges that have historically constrained Nigeria’s petroleum output.

‘The increase in crude production to about 1.71 million barrels per day should matter to every Nigerian because production is directly connected to national revenue and economic stability. When the industry produces more efficiently, the country has greater capacity to earn revenue, fund public services, support infrastructure and create opportunities for businesses and workers,’ Gideon declared.

The group also highlighted the record production of 365,000 barrels per day by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited and the reported 98 percent average recovery across NNPC’s five crude oil export terminals between April 2025 and May 2026.

According to CFEAD, such improvements were evidence that operational efficiency could recover value previously lost through production disruptions, infrastructure challenges and inefficient processes.

It said the performance of the NUPRC was equally deserving of recognition, particularly its role in implementing policies designed to unlock investments in deep offshore oil and gas projects.

The group welcomed the Deep Offshore Oil and Gas Project Incentives (Tax Remission) Executive Order 2026, which the NUPRC said could unlock about $50 billion in investments and increase crude oil and condensate production by an additional one million barrels per day over the coming years.

‘The deep offshore incentive is potentially transformative because it addresses one of the biggest problems facing the petroleum industry: the enormous capital requirement and long investment cycle associated with offshore developments. If properly implemented, the policy can unlock projects that have remained on the drawing board, attract billions of dollars in capital and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs,’ the statement said.

CFEAD said the projected additional production should also be viewed within the broader context of Nigeria’s economic needs, arguing that increased output must ultimately translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

‘The real test of every petroleum reform is not how impressive the figures look at a conference. The real test is whether the benefits eventually reach the ordinary Nigerian. More production should mean stronger government revenue, more jobs, greater energy security, increased industrial activity and a more stable economy. Nigerians must be able to feel the impact of these reforms beyond the oil industry,’ the statement reads.

The group specifically identified the $10 billion Bonga South project, expected to commence production in 2027, as an example of the scale of investment that could emerge from a more predictable regulatory environment.

It said the wider benefits of deep offshore developments could extend beyond crude production to the marine economy, logistics, engineering, technology transfer and skills development.

‘Projects such as Bonga South are important not only because of the barrels they will produce but because of the ecosystem they can create around them. Nigeria needs a petroleum industry that builds Nigerian expertise, strengthens local businesses, develops technology and creates sustainable employment rather than one that simply extracts crude and exports value,’ Gideon said.

CFEAD urged NNPC and NUPRC to sustain the reform momentum while ensuring that transparency, accountability and institutional independence remain central to their operations.

The group also called on oil-producing communities, operators, investors, security agencies and other stakeholders to support efforts to increase production and attract investment.

‘Nigeria cannot afford another cycle of reform followed by policy reversal. The progress currently being recorded must be protected from political interference, institutional rivalry and unnecessary bureaucracy. What the country needs now is consistency, transparency and collective support for reforms that are delivering measurable results,’ he stressed.

The group said the achievements recorded by NNPC and NUPRC should encourage the Federal Government to deepen reforms across the petroleum value chain and maintain an investment-friendly environment.

It also urged the two institutions to communicate their achievements more effectively to citizens, arguing that public understanding and confidence were essential to sustaining support for the reforms.

‘Nigerians have heard promises about the oil sector for decades. What makes the current moment different is the emergence of measurable indicators of recovery in production, investment and operational efficiency. We commend the leadership of NNPC and NUPRC, but we also expect them to remain accountable to the Nigerian people and ensure that the gains being recorded become a foundation for broader prosperity,’ the group emphasised.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency of Taraba State, Mukhtar Galadima, has commended the military and other security agencies for rescuing 18 kidnapped victims in Ibi Local Government Area of the state.

Galadima, in a statement reacting to the development, described the operation as a major boost to efforts to restore peace and confidence in communities threatened by kidnapping and other criminal activities.

He specifically praised troops of Sector 3 deployed in Ibi for their swift response to reports of kidnapping at Kwatan Bajji in the early hours of August 18, which led to the recovery of the victims.

The PDP candidate said the successful operation should reassure residents of Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency that the nation’s security forces remain committed to protecting lives and property and to confronting criminal elements operating in the area.

He congratulated the rescued victims and their families, urging security agencies not to relent until all criminal networks responsible for attacks in the area are identified and brought to justice.

Galadima, however, called for stronger collaboration among the military, police, and other security and intelligence agencies, particularly in intelligence gathering and information sharing.

According to him, effective intelligence remains critical to preventing attacks, tracking criminal networks, and disrupting their operations before they can unleash violence on communities.

He also advocated stronger legislative and institutional support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies to improve their operational and intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Galadima said the government must invest more in modern surveillance equipment, intelligence infrastructure, logistics, and the welfare of security personnel to enable them to confront emerging security threats effectively.

He stressed that security operations should move beyond responding to attacks after they occur to developing a proactive system capable of detecting criminal movements and preventing attacks before they happen.

The candidate also urged residents of Wukari/Ibi to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities in their communities.

He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and other residents to strengthen cooperation with security agencies, noting that community-based intelligence could play a crucial role in preventing kidnapping and other crimes.

Galadima cautioned residents against withholding useful information out of fear, stressing that early reporting of suspicious movements could prevent crimes and save lives.

He also urged security agencies to protect the identities of credible informants and strengthen confidence in community intelligence networks.

While commending the Federal Government for supporting security operations, Galadima said that sustained investment in security personnel, equipment, intelligence and operational capacity remained essential to achieving lasting peace in Taraba State.

He expressed optimism that stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved legislation, community participation and sustained government support would significantly reduce kidnapping and other forms of crime across Wukari, Ibi and other vulnerable communities in the state.

Two persons lost their lives, while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries, in a tanker fire explosion along the Agu-Awka axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Awka.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday night in front of a fuel station, involved a fully loaded diesel tanker belonging to Shafa Filling Station and a 911 truck loaded with bags of feed.

The diesel truck reportedly suffered brake failure and collided with the 911 truck, resulting in a fire.

Confirming the incident, the Chief Fire Officer of the State Fire Service, Engr. Chiketa Chukwudi, said two people lost their lives, while two others who sustained varying degrees of injuries were rescued and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

Chiketa, who was personally present at the scene, commended the firefighters for their prompt response and urged motorists and other road users to exercise extreme caution, particularly when approaching sloping areas and when trucks are loaded with petroleum products.

While assuring the public that the situation had been brought under control, the Fire Chief encouraged them to remain calm and go about their normal activities.

He also reiterated a call to motorists to ensure their vehicles were properly maintained and that critical components, especially braking systems, are routinely checked to prevent avoidable accidents.

He said, ‘The Anambra State Fire Service has responded to a serious road traffic accident involving a fully loaded diesel tanker belonging to Shafa Filling Station and a 911 truck loaded with bags of feed along the Agu-Awka axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Awka.

‘The incident occurred in front of Jezco Fuel Station, Agu-Awka, at 2326 hours on Thursday, 20th August, 2026, and was reported to the Anambra State Fire Service, which promptly mobilised its firefighters and firefighting equipment to the scene.

‘Preliminary information indicates that the accident occurred when the diesel truck reportedly suffered brake failure and collided with the 911 truck, resulting in a fire outbreak.

‘Sadly, two people lost their lives in the incident, while two others who sustained varying degrees of injuries were rescued and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

‘As at the time of this report, firefighters remained at the scene, working to control the situation and prevent further escalation.’

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard-bearer in the June 20 Ekiti State governorship election, Dr Wole Oluyede, has declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general election.

He made his position known yesterday when he visited Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti.

Oluyede informed the governor of his decision to work for Tinubu’s victory in the January 2027 presidential election.

He also discussed with Governor Oyebanji issues relating to the development and progress of Ekiti State, as the governor prepares to begin his second term on October 16.

Receiving Oluyede, Governor Oyebanji praised him for an act of statesmanship and his commitment to the progress of Ekiti State and national development.

Oyebanji expressed appreciation for Oluyede’s decision to support President Tinubu, saying his gesture demonstrated a shared commitment to the development of Ekiti and Nigeria.

Brazil will stage the opening game and final of the 2027 Women’s World Cup at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana?Stadium, according to the match schedule unveiled for the 32-team tournament.

The hosts kick off the event on June 24 in a fitting opening to the first Women’s World Cup held in South America, ?with the Maracana – one of the game’s most famous venues ?and the site of Brazil’s heartbreak defeat by Uruguay ?in the 1950 men’s World Cup decider – also hosting the July ?25 final.

FIFA confirmed that all eight host cities will stage at least ?seven matches and a minimum of one knockout game.

Brasilia, Porto Alegre, Recife and Salvador will stage matches through to the last 16, while Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, ?Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo will hold the quarter-finals.

Sao Paulo ?and Rio will host the semi-finals.

‘I already have goose bumps thinking about the incredible , ?colour and energy that Brazilian fans will bring to the tournament as they welcome the world to eight vibrant host cities,’ FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

The Maracana will become only the ?third stadium to ?host both a ?men’s and women’s World Cup final, following Stockholm’s Rasunda Stadium and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

‘Each host ?city will add its own unique flavour, making this ?a ?colourful, joyful and unforgettable celebration,’ former Brazil captain Aline Pellegrino said.

‘The world’s best players will feel that energy from the stands and they will ?give ?it back on the pitch through moments ?and performances that will inspire girls and boys around the world.’

The final schedule will ?be published later this year.