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Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has broken his silence on his current goal drought and wavering form at Werder Bremen, stressing that critics fail to see the full extent of his impact on the pitch. The 24-year-old, currently on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, has gone 13 games without a goal since joining Bremen, a stark contrast to the blistering form that made him one of the Bundesliga’s most talked-about forwards last season. His struggles have sparked frustration among fans, many of whom expected the same explosive presence that helped Leverkusen to their historic league triumph in 2023/24.

However, Boniface insists his performances cannot be judged by goals alone.

In an interview with Soccer Laduma as reported by Soccernet.ng , the forward defended his contribution to the team’s overall system.

‘If you watched the game against Union Berlin, which we won 1-0, I didn’t score or assist,’ Boniface explained. ‘But you would have seen what I bring to the team, my movement, hold-up play, and how I help us create space. That’s what people don’t see.’

Boniface’s rise in Germany was nothing short of remarkable. In his debut Bundesliga campaign, he netted 14 goals and 8 assists, playing a central role as Leverkusen clinched their first-ever Bundesliga title. Despite battling injuries the following season, he still managed 8 goals and 1 assist in just 19 appearances, finishing as the club’s second-highest scorer.

Yet, his transition to Bremen has been far from smooth. A lack of rhythm and confidence has seen him struggle in front of goal a recent outing against Mainz summed up his form: 64 minutes, no shot on target, and a 53% pass completion rate. Reports suggest that coach Horst Steffen was dissatisfied with his display, casting doubt over his starting role ahead of Friday’s clash against Wolfsburg.

But Boniface remains defiant in the face of mounting criticism.

‘When you don’t score, people talk. But they don’t really know me,’ he said. ‘I’ve been through things that made me strong. Anyone who knows me knows I don’t let these things affect me.’

The Nigerian forward added that he is focused on steady improvement rather than public perception.

‘I’m trying to get better every day. Maybe this is my toughest start in Germany because I’ve gone four or five games without scoring. But last season, even after missing 16 to 20 games, I still ended as Leverkusen’s second top scorer. So when people say it’s a bad season, I just laugh – what do they really mean?’

He also dismissed social media criticism as shallow and uninformed.

‘Most people don’t even watch the games,’ he remarked. ‘They just check LiveScore, see no goal beside my name, and rush online to insult me for engagement. But I’m not moved by that.’

Despite his current drought, Boniface’s record in Germany remains impressive. Across 49 Bundesliga appearances, he has registered 22 goals and 12 assists – ranking fourth among Nigeria’s all-time top scorers in the German top flight, behind Jonathan Akpoborie (60 goals), Victor Agali (32), and Anthony Ujah (30).

While his Bremen spell has yet to catch fire, Boniface’s resilience and determination suggest that it’s only a matter of time before he finds his rhythm again and silences the doubters once more.

Special Adviser to Lagos State governor on Works, Dr. Adekunle Olayinka, was among dignitaries honoured at the 25th National Women’s Conference of Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

With the theme: ’25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,’ this edition showed COWLSO’s dedication to empowerment of women, transformation of families, and strengthening of communities in Lagos State and beyond.

Other personalities include Senator Easily Sanni; Senator Ganiu Solomon; Baba Ajasco Oba Saheed Elegushi, Kusenla III; Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, Oniru of Iru, Abisogun II; Oba Sulaimon Raji, Oniba of Iba

They were recognized for their leadership, contributions, and commitment to service and societal advancement.

Dr. Olayinka lauded leadership of COWLSO and appreciated the wives, mothers, and sisters whose support and contributions continue to impact communities.

An ally of COWLSO, Olayinka is acknowledged as a consistent achiever and strategic goal-setter.

His dedication to public service and role in sustainable development of Works earned him this recognition

This accolade not only commemorates Dr. Olayinka’s professional accomplishments but also aligns with the broader vision of COWLSO to inspire, uplift, and transform society through collaborative leadership and enduring legacy.

Teach For Nigeria (TFN) has concluded the 2025 edition of its Incubation Hub Pitch Competition, an initiative designed to empower alumni of the TFN Fellowship Programme to transform their ‘Be The Change’ projects into scalable social enterprises.

The event, which was held in Lagos, brought together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and partners to witness 12 pioneering alumni showcase innovative solutions aimed at solving Nigeria’s most pressing education challenges.

Chief Executive Officer of TFN, Molade Adeniyi, highlighted the significance of the Incubation Hub as a driver of systemic change.

‘The Incubation Hub was launched as part of Teach For Nigeria’s commitment to empowering our alumni to lead change beyond the Fellowship. Its purpose is to support the growth and scale of early-stage social innovations that address systemic challenges in education. Earlier this year, we welcomed 30 outstanding early-stage social entrepreneurs, carefully selected from a competitive pool of 87 applicants. Over the last three months, participants have received enterprise development training, mentorship, and strategic support to refine their ideas into scalable and sustainable solutions,’ she said.

She emphasised the hub’s long-term impact, noting that since its launch in 2020, the programme has supported over 60 education-focused projects, disbursed more than N10 million in seed funding, and impacted over 2,500 educators and 15,000 children across Nigeria.

The 2025 cohort featured 12 initiatives across five focused areas – EdTech and Digital Learning, Gender Equality/Inclusive Education, Climate Change and Environment, Teacher and School Development, and Data-Driven Education and Policy.

The grand finale featured pitches from the 12 innovators to a distinguished panel of judges.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has hailed the leadership of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board(NABTEB) for its reform-driven approach to effectively promote technical and vocational education in Nigeria.

A statement by Comr. Adeyemi Samson Ajasa, NANS National Public Relations Officers noted the board’s inclusive policy that considers the employment and engagement of former student leaders, underscores belief in youth capacity development, empowerment, and participatory governance.

NANS commended the Registrar of NABTEB, Dr Mohammed Mohammed for his innovative policies and reform-driven approach which have not only improved the credibility of NABTEB examinations but have also revived public confidence in the board’s operations.

The student body thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing ‘a man of integrity, vision, and excellence’ adding that the Registrar’s stellar track record in public service continues to justify the President’s confidence in his leadership and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda in the education sector.

‘As an organisation that champions the welfare and development of Nigerian students, NANS pledges its continued support for reforms aimed at strengthening educational institutions and promoting skill-based learning as a cornerstone of national growth,’ NANS said.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen scored a second-half hat-trick to ensure a comfortable 3-0 away win over hapless Ajax Amsterdam in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Two of the three goals came from the penalty spot as the Nigerian international took his competition total this season to six with the Turkish club moving up from 16th to ninth place in the standings with nine points from four games.

Ajax, who have been European champions four times, remain rooted at the bottom of the 36-team table without a point.

Osimhen stooped to head home Leroy Sane’s cross in the 59th minute to open the scoring and then tucked away a 66th- minute penalty after a clumsy handball by defender Youri Baas.

Ajax gave away a second spot kick when Gerald Alders, on his European debut, inadvertently handled the ball in the box while trying to block a shot, with Osimhen stroking home the resultant penalty in the 78th minute.

Ajax came closest to a goal after an error from Galatasaray goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir allowed Mika Godts a shot at an empty net but he missed out on the opportunity.

Former Super Eagles forward Jonathan Akpoborie has criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for its slow response in announcing the national team squad ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup play-off clash against Gabon, describing the delay as ‘typical of Nigeria’ and warning that it could prove costly.

Akpoborie expressed frustration at what he termed a recurring culture of late preparation in Nigerian football. According to the ex-international, the NFF’s failure to make an official squad announcement barely a week to the decisive fixture paints a worrying picture of disorganisation.

‘It is typical, typical of Nigeria. They always waste time,’ Akpoborie lamented in an interview aired on Brila Fm. ‘By now, there should have been an official announcement. What is the NFF waiting for? This delay can be dangerous.’

He further warned that the recurring trend of last-minute player call-ups and poor planning has hindered the country’s football development over the years.

‘Maybe two or three days before the game, you’ll see everyone scrambling to bring in players,’ he added. ‘This attitude has affected us and kept us where we are today. Delay is dangerous – that’s the most important thing.’

Akpoborie’s concerns come as Nigeria prepares to face Gabon in a must-win play-off fixture that could determine their qualification route to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Akpoborie, a member of Nigeria’s 1985 U-16 World Cup-winning squad, enjoyed a successful career in Germany with clubs like Stuttgart and Wolfsburg. At the senior level, he scored four goals for the Super Eagles and featured in the 1992 and 2000 Africa Cup of Nations, winning bronze and silver respectively. Now retired, the former forward remains a vocal advocate for better organisation and professionalism within Nigerian football.

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will play in January’s Auckland Classic at the age of 45, according the tournament organisers.

Williams has been awarded a wild card for the Australian Open warm-up event from January 5-11 after only returning to the circuit in August at the US Open after a 16-month break.

‘She is one of the great players in the modern era and her performances on the court speak for themselves,’ said tournament director Nicolas Lamperin, who added that she was in ‘remarkable shape and form’.

‘Off the court she has made an equally significant contribution to the game and to the development of female players worldwide,’ he said. ‘Venus has had a profound influence on the evolution of women’s tennis and has inspired the next generation with her unshakeable passion for the sport.’

Williams, who won the Auckland Classic in 2015 when she beat Caroline Wozniacki in the final, has lifted five Wimbledon singles titles, two US Opens and an Olympic gold, in Sydney in 2000.

Lamperin said it was a ‘privilege’ to have Williams back at the tournament.

‘All sports fans should take this opportunity to watch one of the sport’s all-time greats in action.’

Japan’s four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka was also announced as a confirmed entry for the tournament.

The Australian Open begins in Melbourne on January 18.

Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) is situated in the heart of the northwestern part of Nigeria, a region known for its intense heat and extreme cold. For residents, the rainy season is more bearable compared to other seasons. Sadly, they, alongside students have to contend with bloodthirsty mosquitoes.

The reason for this seasonal fluctuation in mosquitoes population is not far to seek. There are tall millet crops planted around student residential areas during rainy seasons, providing more breeding sites for insects.

Olagunju Kabir Oladeji, a final-year Law student, has observed a troubling rise in mosquito activity around the millet fields during the rainy season. He avoids the area completely, believing it increases the risk of malaria.

‘The mosquitoes are unbearable. They disrupt night classes and make studying at night almost impossible. I’ve had to use insecticide and sleep under a mosquito net, but even that doesn’t fully help,’ he said.

Kabir noted that either he or his friends have recently suffered from mosquito-borne illnesses. He firmly believes that the university should remove or relocate the millet fields.

‘It would be a welcome development. Walking near the millet field at night is dangerous. The tall crops make it easy for mosquitoes and even criminals to hide,’ he added.

Olatunji Yusuf of the Department of Public Administration, said students residing near the millet fields in the Benji area, are experiencing a significant and alarming increase in mosquito activity during this rainy season.

Yusuf significantly noted that the situation is severely disrupting their daily routines and poses a serious health risk to the community.

He stressed that the prevalence of mosquitoes has created an environment that is not conducive to academic pursuits or personal well-being.

Jamiu Oloyin, an Accounting student confirmed that there is usually a significant increase in mosquito activity around the millet fields during the rainy season.

Jamiu stated that to protect himself, he has taken personal measures such as using a mosquito net and applying mosquito repellent to his body. However, these precautions proved insufficient, as he personally contracted malaria and was sick for approximately five days.

Given his experience, he believes that removing the millet crop from the area would be a suitable course of action by the university.

According to a report by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), people get malaria when bitten by an infective mosquito carrying the malaria parasite. This means an already infected anopheles (female mosquito) spreads malaria by biting a perfectly healthy person.

Maryam Umar Ayomide, a 400-Level Law student, also avoids the millet fields entirely not only because of the mosquitoes but because she believes the area has become a hideout for criminals.

‘I don’t go to night classes anymore.The area is too risky. The mosquitoes are terrible, and the crops provide cover for people with bad intentions,’ she said.

Maryam protects herself by wearing socks and covering her body completely. She, too, has experienced or witnessed malaria among her peers and believes the university must act quickly.

Lamaz Arisekola, another 400-Level Law student, expressed displeasure over the situation.

‘Avoiding the millet fields is impossible; the crops surround the hostels and even reach their entrances,’ he said.

Lamaz said this affects students’ academic life significantly, as they cannot read or study for long without being bitten by mosquitoes. He noted that despite wearing nylon socks, thick trousers, and long sleeves, the mosquitoes persist.

‘I’ve been here for three years.

No protection can stop these mosquitoes completely. The school clinic is full of sick students. I’m also a victim,’ he said.

According to the Severe Malaria Observatory (2024 World Malaria Report), Nigeria bears the highest global burden of malaria accounting for 25.9 per cent of all estimated cases and 30.9 per cent of global malaria deaths. This is an adverse impact of farming in residential areas which brought mosquitoes and subsequently-malaria.

Lamaz urged the university to remove the millet fields, emphasising that ‘different settings require different purposes; a residential area cannot serve as farmland.’

He also warned that walking through the fields at night is unsafe, as the tall millet stalks give cover to criminals who often rob students of their phones and valuables.

Rofiah Abdullah, a 400-Level Agriculture student, has also noticed the growing mosquito menace.

‘The problem worsens during the rainy season,’ she explained. ‘The millet fields attract mosquitoes, and they’ve also become a hiding place for ‘Yaro boys’ young men who rob and harass students.’

The threat, she added, has discouraged many students from attending night tutorials.

‘My roommate and I recently recovered from malaria,’ she said. ‘This isn’t just about comfort, it’s about health and safety. The university should really assess the situation and consider moving the crops or creating better safety measures.’

Night classes that once buzzed with activity are now nearly empty. Sellers around Benji close their shops early, unable to bear the evening swarm of mosquitoes.

Ridwanullahi Ayobami of the Education and Chemistry Department noted that the mosquito problem around the millet fields has become too much, to the extent that you can’t even sit down outside.

He said : ‘I absolutely avoid the area, primarily because the bushy environment creates a perfect habitat for dangerous animals like snakes, which now have a higher chance of being there’.

This situation has directly affected his studies. He makes sure to read inside the school in the afternoon whenever he doesn’t have lectures, as he has completely stopped reading at night.

He also said to protect himself from mosquitoes in his room, he uses a mosquito net and sprays insecticides regularly.

A statement by Zakariyau Dauda, Founder of UDUS Antimicrobial Resistance Stewards, said the situation poses both direct and indirect risks to students.

‘The direct risks include a high incidence of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, leading to symptoms like severe fatigue, anemia, and various skin and allergic reactions. The indirect effects are a significant economic and social burden due to frequent illness and healthcare costs, coupled with reduced focus, comfort, and productivity that impairs cognitive function and academic performance.

‘However, from the perspective of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) stewardship, this issue presents an even more insidious threat. The high frequency of malaria infections leads to a corresponding increase in the consumption of antimalarial drugs.

‘In an environment of self-medication and incomplete treatment courses common among students seeking a quick return to classes we create perfect conditions for the selection of drug-resistant malaria parasites. This misuse and overuse of antimalarials is a primary driver of AMR, rendering first-line treatments ineffective and escalating the risk of severe complications and mortality. ‘Therefore, the millet fields are not merely a nuisance but a significant public health challenge. They act as an epidemiological trigger for a cascade of negative outcomes, from immediate academic disruption to the long-term, global threat of fostering drug-resistant strains of disease. Addressing this breeding ground is not just about student comfort; it is a critical intervention for disease prevention and a vital act of antimicrobial stewardship to protect the efficacy of our essential medicines.’

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said political office holders need to serve their fatherland with unwavering passion and firm dedication to good governance.

He said Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri embodies these virtues, which have endeared him to his people and beyond.

Shettima spoke yesterday at the public presentation of a book, titled: Leadership Chronicles of Governor Duoye Diri, a public lecture, and the institution of a professorial chair on leadership and good governance organised by University of Lagos (UNILAG) Consult Limited in honour of the Bayelsa State governor.

The book, authored and compiled by Prof Hope Eghagha and veteran media expert, Sola Ojewusi, provides a reflective journey through Diri’s stewardship as governor. It also chronicles his milestones in governance, crisis management, and developmental strides.

The Vice President, who was represented by Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, said: ‘The legacy we build today becomes the history told tomorrow. So, let us live with unwavering dedication to our duty. This is what Dr. Duoye Diri has embodied. This celebration is a testament to the unwavering service and dedication to good governance.’

Delivering the keynote address, Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang reflected on the nature of leadership.

He said: ‘Leaders are not extraordinary people. They are ordinary people lifted from amongst the people who share the passion of the people, the dreams of the people, and are ready to put their lives on the line in the pursuit of justice, fairness, and equity.’

Mutfwang offered a personal testimony to Diri’s ‘vehement zeal’ in championing the cause of the Niger Delta.

Diri, who accepted the honour on behalf of the people of Bayelsa State, expressed gratitude to the authors and UNILAG for the honour they accorded his name.

‘Going through the pages inspired me even more to remain steadfast in my duties,’ Governor Diri said. ‘The development of Bayelsa has always been and will always remain my top priority. Every stride we make, every project we commission is for the prosperity of our people.’

Commenting on his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Bayelsa governor described the move as a strategic decision taken solely in the interest of Bayelsa.

According to him, the shift in political alignment was borne out of his desire to unlock new opportunities for the oil-rich state – a goal he said is better served within the ruling party’s political structure.

‘I have no hidden agenda,’ he declared. ‘My decision to join the APC was made with the best interests of Bayelsans at heart. It is about providing roads, improving security, boosting agriculture, expanding education, and creating jobs for our youth. With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, I am confident that the synergy we’ve built will lead to greater progress.’

A former Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Timi Alaibe, highlighted the unique nature of the event, saying real-time leadership documentation was a practice he had previously only seen in advanced democracies.

‘Institutionalising real-time leadership with practical documentation is essential so that as we govern, it is documented. It’s something unique,’ he stated.

Alaibe placed Diri’s governance within the larger context of the Niger Delta’s evolution – from violent struggles to peaceful development.

He affirmed the importance of the event with the adage: ‘When it is not written, as you journalists will say, it didn’t happen. Today it has been documented.’

The chief host and Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade T. Ogunsola, stated that the university recognised leadership not merely as a position of authority but as a responsibility grounded in ‘service, integrity, accountability’.

She emphasised the timeliness of the event, saying: ‘Our country is at the verge of another cycle of emergence of leaders across different tiers of government.’

Ogunsola described the endowment of the chair as a ‘commendable step’ that would provide a structured platform for research and mentorship, which is deeply needed ‘in this fledgling country’.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, she added that the initiative ensured Governor Diri’s life and governance would have a lasting significance by investing in education.

An aspirant for the National Presidency of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade John Ogbe has canvassed the adoption of new strategies by aviation unions in engaging the federal government, its agencies and private sector employers in the industry.

Rather than resorting to the instrument of industrial unrest , Ogbe said the most appropriate strategy is to offer solutions through dialogue based negotiations that will offer a win – win for the already challenged air transport sector.

Speaking in an interview on his plans to achieve a paradigm shift on how labour unions should operate in the aviation industry, Comrade Ogbe said collaboration, cooperation, capacity building and deep understanding of modern trends in conflict resolution should be the new normal.

He said though the current crop of leaders in ATSSSAN may have contributed what they consider as their best in advancing the welfare of workers, clear gaps in navigating recurring challenges has made it compelling for new thinking.

Ogbe said his team promises to engage the government differently through solution based unionism , facts based negotiations that considers all aspects of advocacy.

He said his team will reposition and revive union activities through dialogue , collaboration and deeper consultations to create a more enabling environment that will bolster trust.

Ogbe said his team will adopt new tactics , including lobby and advocacy to drive home issues that border on staff welfare by softening ground with the authorities.

He said : ‘There are lots of issues in the aviation sector today, requiring that labour unions shift in their strategies in order to remain relevant. The conflict resolution mechanism has to change from the old methods utilised by our leaders.

‘The new order is for labour leaders to engage government and organisations with a solution offer. We need to demonstrate capacity and understanding of the issues during negotiations, such that we earn the understanding of the other parties.

‘There has to be opon channels of communication with the seventeen organisations we have in the aviation sector. We intend to go round as a team engaging these organisations by bringing solutions on board during agitation.

‘Declaring withdrawal of services , protests and other industrial unrest instruments may not achieve the desired results.’

Ogbe , however, expressed optimism with the current proposal by the Federal Government to concession some airport terminals saying unions in the industry are engaging with the authorities to get the best model

Such a model, he said, must reflect the collective benefits of the country, aviation workers and relevant stakeholders.

Ogbe said promised to deliver a team in ATSSSAN , that will ensure the over seventeen organisations in the aviation industry provide work tools for their workers, make the working environment conducive, push for the health of the business and ensure such outfits succeed.

The ATSSSAN Presidential aspirant declared : ‘Our strategy will be engaging the management to ensure there is improvement in the work environment, bring solutions on the table , and collaborate to solve the problems of the industry.

‘This has become imperative because the numbers are not looking good for the sector, we must avoid stifling the growth of business and ultimately ensure that negotiations start and end on the table.’

On the concession of airports, Ogbe said ATSSSAN is working with the Federal Government to ensure the pitfalls of the past are avoided, affirming that with the efforts of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the right models will be adopted.

He said : ‘Aviation unions including ATSSSAN and other stakeholders are engaging with the outline business case rolled out by ICRC to ensure good faith is kept , that the models are not skewed.

‘ We will ensure that issues concerning the financing , the tenure of the concession and the key performance indicators of the affected airports meet acceptable global standards.

‘We are looking at conversations around the tenure, the volume of investment , the fate of workers, the proponents and terms of engagement.

On his mission for ATSSSAN, Ogbe said : ‘We will train, mentor, and equip our members and leaders with modern tools of negotiation, conflict resolution, and progressive unionism. No member will be left behind, for an enlightened workforce is an unstoppable force.

‘I say it here clearly and unequivocally: when I assume office as President of ATSSSAN, I shall make it one of my foremost priorities to engage relevant authorities and ensure that all outstanding entitlements are paid to the rightful beneficiaries. Justice delayed must no longer be justice denied.”