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Villaflor, Amora punch tickets to round of eight

National University’s Clarence Villaflor opened his bid for the inaugural University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s badminton singles title with a 21-8, 21-4 win over University of the Philippines’ Josh Dupet in the Round of 16 on Friday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

Villaflor, bronze medalist in the 2026 Azerbaijan International Challenge, needed just 24 minutes to defeat the Fighting Maroons co-captain.

The NU shuttler will face La Salle’s Lovic Javier in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Adamson University’s Steveric Muring and John Vincent Saturinas also advanced, defeating University of Santo Tomas’ Ivan Tuazon, 21-10, 21-10, and Clark Brillantes, 21-12, 21-17, respectively.

Muring will face UP skipper Shan Clar, while Saturinas takes on Ateneo’s Lance Vargas.

Ateneo’s Zeth Quiambao advanced with a 21-15, 21-15 win over La Salle’s Joshua Cuarte and will meet NU captain Lanz Zafra, who received a first-round bye.

In doubles play, NU’s MJ Perez and Jacinth Paul Ruedas defeated UST’s John Vincent Espinoza and Manuel Fulmentera, 21-17, 21-18, setting up a quarterfinal showdown with La Salle’s Karl Contreras and Gift Linaban.

NU’s Ben Dictado and John Benedict Gam scored a 21-18, 21-12 win over La Salle’s Rey Nier Dalimo-Os and AJ Lorenz Jurada to advance against Ateneo rookies Wijel Albo and Rolan De Guzman.

Ateneo’s Lyrden Laborte and Robby Ramos defeated UP’s JM Amerodin and Joshua Martinez, 21-12, 21-12, to arrange a quarterfinal clash with Adamson’s Prince Betaisar and Jasper Manlangit.

UP’s Arjay Lazareto and Ryan Mendoza averted a shutout with a 21-18, 21-15 win over UST’s Ron Galve and Bien Miraflor. They will face Adamson’s John Paul Badang and Eur Cabanducos.

Amora, Fuggan march on

National University’s Sab Amora advanced to the women’s singles quarterfinals with a 21-16, 21-11 victory over Ateneo’s Jochelle Alvarez.

Amora will face La Salle’s Lady Tuario in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

University of the Philippines’ Brys Fuggan defeated NU’s Karyll Rio, 21-18, 21-15, and will next meet Ateneo captain Althea Ocampo.

UP’s Anthea Gonzalez swept Adamson University’s Abby Barcelona, 21-16, 21-14, to arrange a quarterfinal clash with UST’s Angelica Racca.

Adamson rookie Roshella Quierez defeated DLSU’s Kim Lagare, 21-10, 21-12, and will face UST’s Angel Vitangcol in the next round.

In women’s doubles, UP seniors Kimberly Lao and Susmita Ramos defeated Adamson’s Camille Buagas and Jennifer Ondol, 21-12, 21-16. They will face UST’s Marielle Alvarez and Harlene Herbabuena in the quarterfinals.

Adamson rookies Mary Destiny Untal and Jasmine Reformina also advanced with a 21-8, 21-11 win over DLSU’s Ghiselle Bautista and Erin Vitangcol. They will meet NU’s Tia Bualat and Lee-Anne De Leon.

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Ateneo also secured two women’s doubles quarterfinal spots. Althea Hernandez and Angel Valle defeated DLSU’s Alphecca Espe and Venice Salapong, 21-8, 21-16, to set up a meeting with NU’s Naeomi Gulpany and Harlene Diaz.

Daena Castro and Andrea Hernandez beat UST’s Hanie De Jesus and Christine Dorega, 21-15, 21-11, and will face UP’s Pat and Krissa De Leon.

NATE charters Berger-Mowe, Ilupeju Chapters, urges professionalis

The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has urged engineering technologists to uphold professional standards, ethical conduct and competence in the discharge of their duties.

The President of NATE, Engr. Dominic Udoatan, made the call at the chartering ceremony of the association’s Berger-Mowe and Ilupeju Chapters.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chartering ceremony were held at different locations, while Berger-Mowe ceremony was held at the Redeemer’s College of Technology and Management (RECTEM), Mowe, Ogun.

The Chartering ceremony of the NATE Oshodi/Ilupeju Chapter was held at the Lab 27, Olajide Kosoko Laboratory, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, (FIIRO), off Cappa Bus Stop, Oshodi.

Udoatan at Mowe ceremony said the establishment of the chapter would strengthen collaboration among technologists and provide a platform for exchanging ideas to promote technological advancement and national development.

‘It is with great joy that we officially charter the NATE Berger-Mowe Chapter, a milestone that marks both the expansion of our association and the strengthening of our shared vision for a technologically advanced and self-reliant Nigeria.

‘The birth of the Berger-Mowe Chapter provides a platform for technologists within this region to collaborate, exchange ideas and contribute meaningfully to national development.

‘As technologists, we must continually demonstrate our professional relevance through competence, innovation, integrity and commitment to national development,’ he said.

Udoatan said NATE was committed to tackling quackery and maintaining professional standards among its members.

He noted that the challenges confronting Nigeria’s industries, infrastructure and technological systems required skilled professionals capable of translating technical knowledge into practical solutions.

He urged members of the new chapter to promote unity, professionalism and service delivery while contributing to the development of other members and engaging constructively with the wider engineering and industrial community.

The Special Guest of Honour and Rector of RECTEM, Mrs Oladunni Izobo-Martin, also stressed the importance of professionalism and technical education in achieving sustainable industrial development.

Izobo-Martin said RECTEM shared common objectives with NATE in developing competent professionals capable of applying technical knowledge to solve practical problems.

‘No nation can develop or achieve meaningful industrial growth without a strong and competent technical workforce.

‘We need people who can operate and maintain equipment, improve production processes, solve technical problems and develop practical solutions to everyday challenges,’ she said.

She said technical expertise was essential to sectors such as construction, manufacturing, electricity, renewable energy, telecommunications, transportation and information technology.

According to her, Nigeria’s aspirations for industrialisation, infrastructure development, local manufacturing and technological self-reliance would remain difficult to achieve without deliberate investment in technical skills.

Izobo-Martin said the chartering of the chapter should mark the beginning of a renewed commitment to professional excellence among members.

She added that professional recognition should be measured not only by membership or public recognition but also by the standards upheld and values promoted.

‘Members must be known for integrity, competence, accountability, safety consciousness and respect for professional standards,’ she said.

The Chairman of NATE, Lagos State Branch, Engr. Victor Afolayan, described the chartering as a significant milestone in expanding the association’s membership and strengthening engineering technology.

Afolayan said the strategic importance of Berger and Mowe made the establishment of the chapter particularly significant.

He, however, said the real work would begin after the chartering, urging members to prioritise membership mobilisation, continuous professional development and a cordial relationship with the Lagos State Branch.

He reaffirmed the branch’s commitment to supporting its chapters in promoting professional development, strengthening participation and advancing the association’s objectives.

The Chairman of the newly chartered chapter, Engr. Temitope Lanipekun, pledged the chapter’s commitment to NATE’s ethics and code of conduct.

Lanipekun said the chapter’s establishment would make participation easier for technologists residing in Redemption City and its environs.

‘We have more than 30 members residing in Redemption City, and there is no point travelling to Lagos State for meetings when we can meet within our locality.

‘We are committed to ensuring that every department is represented. Many people with Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications do not know they need to belong to professional bodies.

‘We have technologists in the water, electrical and electronic departments. Many of them do not know about NATE, so our duty is to enlighten them,’ he said.

Here is a concise summary of Engr. Raphael Ogunfolajimi’s interview, highlighting his priorities and key quotations.

Engr. Raphael Ogunfolajimi, pioneer Chairman of the Oshodi/Ilupeju Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE), has pledged to prioritise membership expansion and professional development.

Ogunfolajimi expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to lead the newly established chapter, describing his emergence as an opportunity to serve and strengthen the association.

‘My first assignment is to work on membership drive to ensure that the gospel of NATE is spread across institutions and industries around Oshodi and Ilupeju,’ he said.

He urged engineering technologists who were yet to register with NATE and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to do so, stressing the importance of professional registration and recognition.

The chairman also emphasised the need to improve members’ professional competence through continuous training, seminars and workshops.

‘We need to take our professionalism to the next level and encourage members to attend seminars, workshops and training programmes,’ he said.

He added that the chapter would pursue these priorities alongside other initiatives aimed at strengthening the association and promoting professional excellence among engineering technologists.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that executives of NATE and members of the RECTEM management were among those who attended the ceremonies.

Activities at the ceremony includes the induction of the chapter’s executives and presentation of awards to the distinguished members of the association.

The Berger-Mowe Chapter Executives includes Engr Temitope Lanipekun, as Chairman, Mr Oluwasola Adebayo as Treasurer and Mr Samson Ojo, Public Relations Officer (PRO).

The executives of NATE Oshodi/Ilupeju Chapter comprise of Engr Raphael Ogunfolajimi as chairman, Engr Ladipo Morakinyo as Vice Chairman, Engr Toheeb Yusuf-Eletu as Secretary, Mrs Afolakemi Eesuola as Treasurer and Engr Olakunle Paseda as Public Relations Officer.

Azerbaijan showcases library digital transformation at International Congress in Belarus [PHOTOS]

The 13th International Congress titled ‘The Library as a Cultural Phenomenon’ is being held in Minsk on October 29-30, bringing together library professionals and experts from around the world to discuss the theme ‘The Role of Women in Culture.’

The event is organised by the Ministry of Culture of Belarus and the National Library of Belarus.

The congress programme focuses on women’s contributions to culture, science and education, current challenges in library education and library science, the development of electronic information resources and services, and the role of libraries in society and public life.

Over the two-day event, participants are taking part in plenary sessions, thematic panel discussions, roundtables, seminars and training sessions. The programme also features practical presentations on the creation of digital collections, document digitisation and preservation, alongside an exhibition of publishing products and electronic information resources.

Azerbaijan is represented at the 13th International Congress by Adiba Ismayilova, Deputy Director of the Azerbaijan National Library and Doctor of Philosophy in History.

In her presentation, titled ‘The Azerbaijan National Library: The Digital Future of National Memory,’ Ismayilova highlighted the institution’s efforts to preserve the country’s documentary heritage, expand its digital resources and improve public access to information services.

Her presentation examined the evolving role of modern national libraries, emphasising that their responsibilities extend beyond safeguarding traditional collections to include digital transformation and international information exchange.

One of the key topics was the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in developing electronic catalogues and preparing bibliographic records. Ismayilova explained that AI tools can assist librarians in structuring bibliographic information according to relevant MARC 21 fields, identifying name variations, and selecting keywords and subject headings.

At the same time, she stressed that artificial intelligence is not intended to replace professional librarians and bibliographers. Instead, AI-generated information must be reviewed and verified by qualified specialists to ensure accuracy and reliability.

The presentation also highlighted the importance of digitising rare books, periodicals and other valuable documents to preserve Azerbaijan’s documentary heritage and make these resources more accessible for academic research and scholarly use.

Representatives from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Slovenia, Oman, India, China, Cuba, Mali, Myanmar, Bulgaria, Indonesia and several other countries are participating in the international congress.

WHO warns of rising diabetes burden in Africa

Three in four persons living with diabetes in Africa are unaware they have the disease, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned, raising raising concerns about late treatment and preventable complications as the disease burden continues to rise across the continent.

Mohamed Janabi, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, disclosed this in a message to mark World Diabetes Day 2026, observed on November 14, under the theme ‘Early Action on Diabetes’.

According to Janabi, an estimated 24.6 million adults aged 20 to 79 are living with diabetes in the WHO African Region in 2024, with the figure projected to reach 59.5 million by 2050.

He said the proportion of people with diabetes who remain undiagnosed was the highest globally, leaving millions at risk of complications, including kidney failure, blindness, cardiovascular disease and lower-limb amputations.

‘Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent complications, reduce suffering and save lives,’ Janabi said, calling on individuals, communities, governments, healthcare workers and development partners to strengthen awareness, promote early diagnosis and expand access to affordable, quality diabetes care.

He urged people to recognise the warning signs of diabetes, including increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness and blurred vision, and seek medical advice and testing promptly.

Janabi also advised people at increased risk of the condition to undergo screening, noting that diabetes could develop without obvious symptoms.

He called on communities to promote accurate information about the disease and challenge stigma and discrimination, while encouraging people living with diabetes to share their experiences and support others to seek care.

The WHO regional director also urged healthcare workers to recognise symptoms early, provide timely testing and ensure compassionate, person-centred care to improve disease management and prevent complications.

Janabi said the WHO was supporting African countries to strengthen diabetes services at primary healthcare and first-level referral facilities through initiatives including the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (WHO PEN), the HEARTS technical package for cardiovascular disease, HEARTS-D for the diagnosis and management of type 2 diabetes, and the PEN-Plus regional strategy for severe noncommunicable diseases.

He commended Rwanda for achieving nationwide district-level coverage of PEN-Plus, alongside other countries making progress in implementing the programme. However, he said significant gaps remained in access to trained healthcare workers, diagnostic services, essential medicines and continuous care.

The WHO regional director called on African governments to prioritise diabetes prevention, early diagnosis and continuous treatment within primary healthcare systems and universal health coverage.

He said this would require sustained investment in public awareness, affordable insulin and essential medicines, diagnostic services, trained health workers and reliable health systems.

He also urged development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector to support government-led efforts, particularly in underserved communities.

Janabi said the WHO remained committed to supporting member states in accelerating progress towards the 2030 targets of the Framework for the Implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact in the African Region.

He urged people across the continent to learn the symptoms of diabetes, seek testing and care early, and encourage family members and friends to do the same.

New publication explores Samad Vurgun’s ties with Russian literary figures [PHOTOS]

A book dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the birth of renowned Azerbaijani poet and People’s Poet Samad Vurgun was presented at the Azerbaijan Writers’ Union.

Titled The Poet of Great Ideals and Dreams, the book was written by Reyhan Mirzazade, a member of both the Azerbaijan Writers’ Union and the Azerbaijan Journalists’ Union, as well as a publicist, researcher and political analyst.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, historian and library science scholar Latifa Mammadova highlighted the internationalist themes and legacy reflected in Samad Vurgun’s literary works.

The event featured contributions from several prominent cultural, academic and public figures, including Ilham Pirmammadov, chairman of the Gazakh Charitable Society; Milikh Yevdayev, head of the Baku Religious Community of Mountain Jews; Vurgun Vakilov, the poet’s great-grandson and director of the Samad Vurgun House-Museum; renowned artist Zinaida Mirzazade; researcher of Samad Vurgun’s literary heritage Aslan Salmansoy; public figure Ramiz Goyushov; writer Zohra Asgarova; poet Ilham Gazakhli; Lyubov Yakunina, chairwoman of the Association of Teachers of Russian-Language Educational Institutions; and Maria Zolotoryova, a representative of the Russian Embassy in Azerbaijan.

The speakers praised the publication for its contribution to preserving and promoting Samad Vurgun’s literary legacy and wished the author continued success.

The cultural programme also featured performances by Cavid and Fakhri Agalarov, students of Secondary School No. 10 in Baku’s Nizami District, who recited excerpts from Samad Vurgun’s poetry. Young vocalist Raul Hamidov performed a musical piece for the audience.

The book The Poet of Great Ideals and Dreams explores Samad Vurgun’s appreciation of Russian classical literature, his translations of works by Russian writers and his high regard for Russian literary traditions.

It also sheds light on the poet’s friendships and cultural connections with prominent literary figures, including Nikolay Tikhonov, Konstantin Simonov, Rasul Gamzatov, Alexander Fadeyev, Pavel Antokolsky, Yevgeny Yevtushenko, Mikhail Sholokhov and Maksim Rylsky.

An internationalist poet with a broad cultural outlook, Samad Vurgun maintained friendships and fraternal ties with numerous distinguished poets, writers, artists, composers and other cultural figures from around the world.

His life and literary contributions have inspired numerous books, narrative poems, poems, prose works and memoirs, reflecting his enduring influence on Azerbaijani literature and his connections with the wider international literary community.

Armenia reports no recent fuel imports from Azerbaijan despite earlier SOCAR shipments

Armenia has reportedly received no new fuel supplies from Azerbaijan in recent months, despite earlier shipments of gasoline and diesel that marked a significant development in trade relations between the two countries.

According to Armenia Today, Shushan Sargsyan, a candidate for membership in Armenia’s Commission for the Protection of Competition and Consumer Interests, made the remarks during a parliamentary hearing in response to a question from Strong Armenia opposition MP Edgar Kazaryan.

Kazaryan claimed that the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) had entered the Armenian fuel market through intermediaries, supplying gasoline and diesel.

Sargsyan responded that she had no information confirming SOCAR’s direct participation in the Armenian market over the previous three months.

She identified Romania, Bulgaria, the Netherlands and Georgia among the countries from which Armenia receives fuel shipments, but acknowledged that these figures reflect dispatching countries rather than necessarily identifying the products’ original source.

Consequently, the available import information does not establish whether Azerbaijani-origin fuel has entered Armenia indirectly through third countries.

The statements come after a series of Azerbaijani fuel deliveries to Armenia that began in December 2025, following Baku’s decision to lift restrictions on cargo transit to its western neighbour.

On October 21, 2025, President Ilham Aliyev announced during a joint press statement with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev that Azerbaijan had removed restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that had existed since the occupation period. The first shipment under the arrangement involved Kazakh grain.

Subsequently, on December 18, SOCAR dispatched 1,220 tonnes of AI-95 gasoline to Armenia.

Fuel deliveries continued throughout the first half of 2026. On January 9, Azerbaijan sent 2,698 tonnes of petroleum products, including 1,742 tonnes of AI-95 gasoline and 956 tonnes of diesel. Another 979 tonnes of AI-92 gasoline followed on January 11.

Further shipments included 4,500 tonnes of diesel on February 25, approximately 1,984 tonnes on March 5 and 974 tonnes on April 21.

Deliveries continued in May and June, including 479 tonnes of diesel on May 9, 986 tonnes on May 10 and a shipment of 971 tonnes of AI-92 gasoline alongside 467 tonnes of diesel on June 26.

More recently, on September 3, Azerbaijan dispatched 989 tonnes of diesel fuel to Armenia in 17 tank cars.

Reports dated September 5 also referred to approximately 16,000 tonnes of diesel and 5,000 tonnes of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline supplied from Azerbaijan to Armenia. The available information does not clarify whether these figures represented cumulative deliveries or additional shipments.

Industry’s huge rebound in September; Geely get-together

WHAT did I say? That sales will stage a strong rebound as we approach the peak of the Christmas season, right?

Already, September revenues have significantly jumped in bucking a lethargic industry performance in August.

The freshest data culled by Elvin ‘The Big E’ Luciano from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association, Inc. (TMA) showed combined sales of 35,722 units in September, up 20.6 percent from August figures.

That stunning result strongly indicates the industry’s obvious return to normalcy, overcoming weather-related disruptions that radically disturbed buying trends a month before the start of the ‘Ber’ months.

With estimated sales from non-CAMPI-TMA brands included, total industry sales in September surpassed 40,240 units, 17 percent higher than in August.

According to CAMPI President Jose Maria ‘Jing’ Atienza, breaching the 40,000-unit monthly sales mark reflects positive market movement. He said the industry’s robust September performance signals a return to the recovery path projected before the onslaught of destructive typhoons had momentarily affected market activity in August.

‘Sales of ICE vehicles posted a strong 19-percent rebound in September, while xEV sales also recorded a solid 14-percent increase,’ said Atienza. ‘This continued growth across both segments reflects healthy consumer demand and reinforces our confidence in the market.’

The industry’s positive stance is indicative of a sales surge heading into the final three months of the year-a phenomenon that has almost become a recurring tradition through the years.

‘We believe the industry is well-positioned to sustain its momentum and it is expected to deliver a strong overall performance in 2026,’ said Atienza.

Among CAMPI-TMA member brands, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. led September sales with 18,157 units.

It was followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. with 3,962 units, Suzuki Philippines Inc. 1,466, Ford Group Philippines, Inc. 1,187 and Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. 1,136 units.

GEELY ‘GET-TOGETHER’

GEELY Motor Philippines (GMP) welcomed 20 owners of the all-electric Geely EX2 to an exclusive owners’ gathering recently at Karrera Bistro in Alabang. Paul Angelo Woo said the event gave owners a closer ‘look at life’ with a battery electric vehicle (BEV), updates on the brand’s upcoming plans and a first look at the Geely Monjaro EM-i.

The gathering is part of the recurring activities GMP holds for its customers to ensure that support is felt long after the initial sale. ‘Through these sessions, owners gain direct access to the company’s technical team and a stronger connection to the growing Geely community in the Philippines,’ said Woo.

EX2

THE program was anchored by a session led by Arsenio Chavez Jr., Technical, Training, and Warranty Manager of Geely Motor Philippines, who discussed BEV ownership and walked owners through the warranty process for their vehicles.

‘Our EX2 owners are among the first in the country to make the switch to electric driving with Geely, and we want them to feel fully supported at every stage of ownership,’ Chavez said. ‘Sessions like this allow us to share practical knowledge about their vehicles and to make sure they know exactly how our warranty and after-sales support work for them.’

MONJARO EM-i

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IN addition, attendees were treated to an exclusive preview of the Geely Monjaro EM-i, giving owners an early opportunity to see the model up close ahead of its wider introduction in the Philippines. GMP also announced the availability of the EX2 in pink, with only 200 units available nationwide this year.

Furthermore, GMP confirmed its participation in the Autofocus Test Drive Festival, which will run from November 12 to 15, 2026, where the public can view and test-drive Geely vehicles. ‘GMP remains committed to building a strong and engaged community of Geely owners in the Philippines, anchored by dependable after-sales support and regular opportunities to connect with the brand,’ Woo said.

About Geely Auto Group

Geely Auto Group is a leading automobile manufacturer based in Hangzhou, China and was founded in 1997 as a subsidiary unit of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH). The Group manages several leading brands, including Geely Auto, Lynk and Co, and Radar. Geely Auto Group is also the global strategic partner of Malaysian national automaker Proton.

Geely Automobile Holdings, a subsidiary company holding controlling stakes in Geely Auto, Lynk and Co, and Radar, has been listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange since 2005. In 2025, the brands under the group sold over 4.11 million units with 2.3 million units of new energy vehicles, marking a 58-percent year-on-year increase in the category.

PEE STOP

The PAL Mabuhay Miles Elite Invitational Golf will be held on November 3 at The Orchard in Cavite. Players from Japan, Australia and the US are expected to trade shots with Filipino stalwarts in the event’s 30th edition. ‘This tournament celebrates the lasting relationships we have built with our valued customers over the years,’ said Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Philippine Airlines. ‘It is our way of thanking them for choosing PAL and sharing the genuine Filipino care that connects us beyond their travels.’ Mabuhay!

AvaBet Bets on Africa’s Football Fans, and on the People They Follow

AvaBet, an international sports betting and casino platform, now operates in 20 countries, and more than half of them are in Africa. Nigeria sits alongside Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia among the company’s key African markets.

In 2025 the company also launched an affiliate programme, AvaBet Partners. Taken together, the two parts of the business show how AvaBet plans to grow on the continent: a mobile product built for local fans, plus a network of the websites and channels those fans already read.

Open the AvaBet app in Nigeria and the account balance is shown in naira. The home screen leads with live games and the day’s top pre-match fixtures, with separate tabs for sports, esports and casino.

Football takes up most of the space. Next to the English Premier League and other European competitions, the football betting section lists the AFCON 2027 qualifiers and Nigerian domestic football, down to regional events such as the Akwa Ibom State pre-season tournament. Live markets and match statistics are available for many games.

The app runs on Android. For users on budget handsets and prepaid data, speed counts for more than design: a betting app that hangs during a live match rarely gets a second chance.

Running one platform in Lagos, Cairo and La Paz means dealing with different languages, currencies and payment habits in each city. AvaBet localises the product market by market instead of shipping a single version everywhere.

Distribution is local too. Football fans in Nigeria rarely find a new sports service by searching for it. They hear about it from a tipster they trust, a Telegram channel they check every morning or the football group on WhatsApp. AvaBet Partners was set up for exactly those publishers.

Under the programme’s published terms, partners can choose revenue share of up to 50%, CPA, hybrid deals or several other payment models. Payouts are weekly, and the minimum withdrawal is $30.

One detail stands out for smaller publishers. Any negative balance is reset at the end of each month, so an affiliate who has a weak month does not start the next one in debt. For a football blog or a Telegram channel with a few thousand readers, that removes a real risk.

Incentivised traffic is not accepted, and brand traffic is allowed only by agreement. Each partner gets a personal manager, promotional materials and their own promo codes. AvaBet Partners takes applications from Nigerian sites and channels with a football audience.

What to watch

The platform is open only to users aged 18 and over.

On paper, AvaBet’s plan for Africa is fairly simple. Whether it works will depend on how well the product keeps up with the phones fans actually use, and on how many of Nigeria’s football publishers decide the partner terms are worth signing up for.

vivo V80 opens pre-orders, offers up to P2-K discount and more

vivo Philippines has opened pre-orders for the vivo V80 at physical stores nationwide, through the vivo e-store and via the vivo Store app, with prices starting at Php 42,999 and exclusive offers available until November 13, 2026.

Designed for a generation that enjoys capturing memorable moments, expressing personal style, and customizing their devices, the smartphone combines ZEISS co-engineered portrait cameras, a distinctive glass design, and personalized features powered by OriginOS 7.

The vivo V80 is available in two configurations: 8GB RAM with 128GB storage for Php 42,999 and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage for Php 47,999.

Customers who pre-order within the promotional period can enjoy the following perks:

Php 2,000 discount,

limited-edition vivo Buds Air3 worth Php 1,799,

Gold vivo membership privileges,

six months of broken-screen insurance and warranty, and

six months of 100GB Google One cloud storage for new users.

Meanwhile, here are the top three things you need to know about the vivo V80.

ZEISS portrait photography for every creative moment

Co-engineered with ZEISS, the vivo V80 features a 50-megapixel ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera and ZEISS 85mm and 100mm Center-Stage Portrait options, giving users versatile ways to frame their subjects and capture portraits with detail and depth. The different focal lengths also provide creative options for photographing people in lively environments while keeping the subject in focus.

The smartphone expands these creative possibilities with AI Creative Camera features, including studio-inspired lighting effects and Creative Sticker Collage, which lets users transform people, pets, and selected photos into movable stickers. CCD Flash Portrait adds a nostalgic, film-inspired aesthetic, giving users more ways to personalize their images and share their favorite moments.

A distinctive design inspired by the stars

The vivo V80 combines cold-carved glass, an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, and smoothly contoured edges for a refined appearance and comfortable grip.

Its Starwish Purple finish features Laser Holographic Lithography, creating a three-dimensional, galaxy-inspired effect that shifts with light. The result is a design that brings together craftsmanship and personal expression, allowing the device to complement different styles and everyday occasions.

Meanwhile, the vivo V80 is also available in Wander Green, featuring refined low-saturation tones that shift gracefully with light.

OriginOS 7 brings personality to everyday interactions

With OriginOS 7, the vivo V80 gives users more ways to make their smartphone experience their own through four customizable themes.

Wiggle features motion-responsive wallpapers, Pet Pals introduces interactive pet elements, Glint adds shimmering visual effects, and StickIt brings customizable stickers into different parts of the system. These features let users personalize their screens and everyday interactions to reflect their interests, moods, and individual styles.

‘Smartphones have become an important part of how people express themselves, preserve memories, and connect with others. With the vivo V80, we want to give users more opportunities to explore their creativity through ZEISS portrait photography, AI-powered features, and a personalized interface that reflects who they are,’ said Liu Lu, vivo Philippines Brand Marketing Director.

Flexible payment options

For customers who prefer installment payments, Home Credit offers the vivo V80 for as low as Php 85 per day over 18 months. Buyers can also receive an additional Php 500 discount voucher by using the code V80HC500.

Customers can pre-order the vivo V80 at vivo physical stores nationwide, through the vivo e-store, and via the vivo Store app until November 13, 2026.

With its ZEISS imaging capabilities, expressive design, and customizable interface, the vivo V80 brings together the tools to capture favorite moments, explore creative possibilities, and make every detail feel personal.

How Nigerian troops repelled terrorist ambush in Kaduna

Troops repel attack without casualties, recover AK-47 rifle

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have killed three terrorists after armed assailants opened fire on them during a patrol in Kaduna State.

The troops repelled the attack with superior firepower and pursued the fleeing terrorists, killing three of them and recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a motorcycle.

The Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Capt. Tamuno Sinivie, confirmed the development in Kaduna on Friday.

Sinivie said the encounter occurred on October 29 when troops of Sector 1 came under attack while conducting a fighting patrol along Shadow-Old Kuyello Road in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He said the troops responded swiftly and successfully repelled the assault without recording any casualties.

‘Subsequent pursuit and exploitation of the area led to the neutralisation of three terrorists and recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, three rounds of ammunition and one motorcycle,’ he said.

The military also recorded a separate recovery operation in Kano State on October 30.

Sinivie said troops of Sector 1 recovered 28 cows and 13 sheep from suspected cattle rustlers in Shanono town, Shanono Local Government Area.

According to him, the suspected criminals abandoned the animals and fled when they sighted the advancing troops.

He added that efforts were ongoing to hand over the recovered livestock to the appropriate authorities.

Sinivie said Operation Fansan Yamma remained committed to sustaining military operations against terrorists and other criminal elements across its area of responsibility.

He urged residents to support security operations by providing timely and credible information to security agencies to help restore lasting peace and security across the North-West.