Author: user user

The Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC) says it has approved N28 billion for the procurement of meters for all outstanding unmetered Band A customers at no cost.

This announcement was contained in the Order on the Operationalisation of ‘Tranche B’ of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) issued by NERC and signed by its Vice Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye.

According to the order, the funds approved under Tranche B of MAF scheme apart from intended to meter all outstanding unmetered Band A customers would also focus on expediting the closure of the metering gap for customers currently classified under Tariff Band B.

‘The N28 billion shall be allocated in proportion to the respective contributions of the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos), and are intended to meter all outstanding unmetered Band A customers.

‘ While also expediting the closure of the metering gap for customers currently classified under Tariff Band B.

‘Schedule 1 provides the detailed breakdown of the funds available to each DisCo for the purchase of end-use customer meters. All the meters to be procured and installed under the MAF framework shall be provided at no cost to the customers,’he said.

The commission said that the order seeks to

establish a clear and transparent framework for the implementation of Tranche B of the MAF scheme.

It also said that the order seeks to define the eligibility requirements and obligations of DisCos and Meter Assert Provider (MAP) in accessing and utilising funds under Tranche

‘It prescribes the terms of financing, repayment, and utilisation of funds under the scheme.

‘It also sets out the monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements to ensure accountability, efficiency and transparency in the deployment of MAF funded meters.

‘Provide operational guidelines and conditions applicable to participating entities to safeguard the integrity of the MAF scheme,’ it said.

Giving breakdown of the releases of funds accrued under MAF, NERC explained that in April 2024, out of the accrued sum of N21,864,851,725, it released the N21 billion to the DisCos for the procurement of meters under tranche A of the MAF scheme.

It added, ‘The latest being the N28 billion released under tranch B of the MAF scheme.’

According to the order, NESI is expected to mobilise significant capital investments for metering through the revenue streams created under the MAF framework.

‘There is an urgent and compelling need to accelerate the closure of the metering gap for all customers currently classified under Tariff Band A to safeguard revenue protection and enable effective demand-side management, ‘it said.

Boston mayor Michelle Wu implied the city is ready for a faceoff with President Donald Trump over his claim he could order FIFA to remove World Cup games scheduled to be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough next summer.

Wu appeared on ‘Java with Jimmy’ on Wednesday to respond to Tuesday’s criticism from the White House, which labelled the Democrat as ‘radical left’ and said he would make a call to FIFA president Gianni Infantino if Boston doesn’t ‘clean up its act.’

‘Much of it is locked down by contract so that no single person, even if they live in the White House currently, can undo it,’ Wu said. ‘We’re in a world where for drama, for control, for pushing the boundaries . ongoing threats . are issued to individuals and communities who refuse to back down and comply or be obedient to a hateful agenda.’

‘We are going to continue to be who we are and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be in a conversation in a way that is targeting Boston’s values. Ten toes down for Boston.’

Infantino was a guest of Trump at a press conference announcing the accord between Israel and Gaza earlier this week.

On Tuesday, Trump was asked about violence in South Boston that included a police vehicle being set ablaze and said, ‘If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there’s unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the head of FIFA, who’s phenomenal – and I would say, ‘Let’s move into another location’ and they would do that. He wouldn’t love to do it. But he would do it very easily.’

The United States, Mexico and Canada are joint North American hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Trump made previous comments suggesting he would take up the same conversation with Infantino about moving games from Seattle and San Francisco, which are among the 16 total host cities for the event scheduled to be played from June 11 to July 19 next summer.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is set to reinforce its role in shaping the continent’s financial ecosystem with the launch of its landmark whitepaper.

The whitepaper, titled ‘Banking on Africa’s Future: Unlocking Capital and Partnerships for Sustainable Growth,’ will be unveiled on the sidelines of the World Bank-International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in October 2025 in Washington, D.C., placing Africa’s economic agenda at the heart of global financial discussions.

The document presents a comprehensive and actionable framework for unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential, providing analysis of critical growth pillars including trade facilitation, infrastructure development, digital innovation, climate finance, and inclusive growth, while showcasing strategies for leveraging domestic capital alongside strategic global partnerships to access the continent’s $3.4 trillion single market potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, who emphasised the strategic importance of this whitepaper, explained that over the past few years, the bank has become an active leader in conversations and activities that drive tangible investments to the continent.

‘UBA is shifting Africa’s development agenda from talk to action. With this whitepaper, we are championing initiatives that convert strategic dialogue into bankable projects and direct investments. Our commitment to execute these plans for the benefit of the continent and its people cannot be overemphasised,’ Elumelu said. ‘We are committed partners in Africa’s development and sustainability and will continue to provide the capital, the platform, and the network needed to transform Africa’s vast potential into economic growth.’

UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, remarked on the white paper’s significance, highlighting the urgent need for private sector leadership.

‘This whitepaper is a call to action and a statement of our capability,’ Alawuba said. ‘It underlines our unique position in facilitating the partnerships and capital flows required to finance Africa’s future, providing the blueprint for action. The document delivers critical insights at a defining moment for Africa’s financial infrastructure.’

The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has established a greenhouse farming initiative aimed at boosting vegetable production, empowering young people, and supporting women farmers across Nigeria.

Speaking during an inspection visit to the greenhouse farm at the University of Abuja, NALDA’s Executive Secretary/CEO, Engr. Cornelius Adebayo, said the project approved by President Bola Tinubu was designed to address the country’s long-standing challenges with vegetable production and distribution.

‘The greenhouse project is in three phases because we realised that one of the major problems we have with vegetables is that we depend too much on seasonal production,’ Engr. Adebayo explained.

‘We approached Mr President for approval, which he graciously gave, for mega high-tech greenhouses across the country.’

According to him, the project involves the establishment of three high-tech, temperature-controlled greenhouses in strategic locations nationwide, alongside several net-house greenhouses in Abuja and Ogun State.

‘In Giri, Abuja, we have about 20 units with one nursery. In Shagamu, Ogun State, we have 30 units with another nursery.

‘Each site also includes a packing house for cleaning and packaging produce, cold storage facilities, and full solar energy functionality.’

Adebayo explained that the idea behind the greenhouse clusters is to make vegetables available closer to consumers and reduce the high cost of transportation and post-harvest losses.

‘The greenhouses are strategically located to serve major markets like Abuja and Lagos,’ he said. ‘We are also supporting other greenhouse owners around Shagamu and Epe to increase their capacity.’

He noted that the facilities will be managed by young farmers, with each youth allocated two net houses to operate as independent agripreneurs under NALDA’s supervision.

He said: ‘Most of these facilities will be handed over to young people who understand how to run them. The idea is to engage youth productively while ensuring food availability.’

The second layer of the initiative targets women farmers, who will engage in open-field vegetable cultivation across federal constituencies.

‘We plan to do a minimum of 10 hectares of open-field vegetable farming per federal constituency,’ Adebayo revealed.

‘For every 10 hectares, 100 women will be allocated plots for pepper, tomatoes, and greens. We’re providing land clearing, irrigation, packing houses, and cold storage to support them.’

The NALDA boss disclosed that 16 pilot locations including Cross River, Taraba, Plateau, and Gombe are already undergoing land clearing, with irrigation systems and other infrastructure to follow.

He added that the Abuja greenhouse farm will be launched and fully operational by December 2025, while other sites are scheduled to follow early next year.

‘By December, this facility will be fully functional,’ he confirmed. ‘We’ve already started enlisting farmers to manage the structures, and our officials will monitor compliance with best practices.’

Addressing safety concerns, Adebayo clarified that greenhouse farming is entirely safe and organic.

He said: ‘It’s just atmospheric condition control. It’s normal, very safe, and cleaner. Plants simply need the right environment to thrive, and that’s what we’re providing. This allows year-round vegetable production.’

He also emphasised that the initiative is not a loan scheme but a government-backed empowerment programme designed to remove infrastructural barriers that hinder farmers.

‘At NALDA, we believe that if you can solve infrastructural problems for farmers, you’ve solved most of their problems. Government is not in the business of business; our job is to create the environment for business to thrive,’ he stated.

On the number of beneficiaries, Adebayo said at least 10 young farmers would operate the first 20 greenhouses in Abuja, with plans to expand to 50 units in both Abuja and Shagamu. He appealed to state governments and communities to provide more land to scale the project.

He further explained that NALDA’s model is designed to ensure price stability for vegetables through structured clusters and coordinated offtake arrangements.

He said: ‘When you have a big enough cluster, you can manage price control indirectly. We know the cost of production, what the offtaker earns, and what we expect to see in the market. That way, we can help stabilise prices without imposing government price controls.’

He added that the initiative aligns with NALDA’s broader vision to decentralise food production, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote urban agriculture near major cities.

‘Outside every major city in the world, you see clusters of greenhouses supplying that city. As the giant of Africa, we should do no less. Our goal is to ensure that fresh vegetables are available and affordable for Nigerians year-round,’ he said.

The NALDA greenhouse project will produce tomatoes, peppers, avocados, and other vegetables, with training opportunities for interested youths through collaborations with universities and agricultural departments.

‘You don’t need a master’s degree to manage a greenhouse. You just need passion and proper training and NALDA will provide that,’ Adebayo said.

He further noted that the initiative demonstrates NALDA’s commitment to empowering youth and women, boosting food security, and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural resilience.

Nigeria and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have held discussions on new areas of collaboration designed to stimulate economic growth, attract Sharia-compliant investments, and expand infrastructure financing.

At a bilateral meeting held in Washington D.C., Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, led Nigeria’s delegation in a dialogue with senior officials of the IsDB to review ongoing partnerships and identify fresh opportunities that would deliver measurable benefits to the Nigerian economy.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, the talks focused on expanding cooperation in Sukuk financing, Sharia-compliant funding, and innovative financial instruments that can support the federal government’s fiscal and development priorities.

The meeting also explored collaboration in agricultural development, renewable energy, infrastructure, education, and healthcare-sectors where IsDB has already partnered with Nigeria.

Both sides agreed to examine potential cooperation in special agro-industrial processing zones and halal economy development, initiatives expected to create jobs, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable growth.

‘The meeting, which was attended by a high-level delegation from the IsDB, provided an opportunity to discuss various areas of mutual interest and explore avenues for advancing ongoing cooperation between Nigeria and the IsDB,’ the ministry said.

Uzoka-Anite said the renewed engagement with the IsDB aligns with the administration’s goal of strengthening development partnerships and unlocking alternative sources of financing for national projects.

‘This meeting underscores the strong bond between Nigeria and the IsDB,’ she stated. ‘Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration remains committed to repositioning our economy and driving infrastructure development. We appreciate IsDB’s support and look forward to leveraging their expertise to accelerate our economic growth and development initiatives.’

All Federal Government workers retiring this year will be paid their pension benefits on or before December 15, 2025.

Besides, retirees now receive pension benefits on a pay as you go basis as they are be paid the immediately they retire.

The Director-General PenCom Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, said these achievement were made possible by President Bola Tinubu’s interventions on pension matters in the country.

She spoke yesterday at the ongoing two-day sensitization, enlightenment workshop on working of Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for Pension Desk Officers (PDOs) in Lagos organised by PenCom in collaboration with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

Oloworaran disclosed that approval has been secured for the issuance of ?758 billion bonds to clear long-standing pension obligations, including pension increases owed since 2007.

She stressed that this bold step also by made possible by the President will bring much-needed relief to vulnerable pensioners and restore confidence in the system.

She said PenCom has also reformed the Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC), which is now operated under the recently unveiled Personal Pension Plan (PPP).

She stated that workers can now make pension contributions directly into their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) without going through their employers.

Furthermore, she said they have collaborated with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service to develop a framework to restore gratuity benefits for federal workers under CPS, in line with Section 4(4) of the PRA 2014.

She however said while the CPS has achieved much, challenges remain, stating that coverage expansion is still limited, with several States and employers yet to fully comply. Public skepticism, often shaped by painful experiences of the past, continues to undermine trust in the system, she added

She said: ‘Over the last two decades, the CPS has rewritten Nigeria’s pension story. We have moved from an era defined by unpaid entitlements and uncertainty to a new order anchored on transparency, sustainability, and inclusiveness.

‘Today, more than 10 million Nigerians from public service employees to private sector workers, and even artisans and the self-employed under the Personal Pension Plan, are covered under the CPS.

‘Pension assets have grown to over ?25 trillion, fueling national development through strategic investments, while also securing regular monthly pensions for over 552,000 retirees and lump sum benefits for an additional 291,735 retirees. In total, more than 844,000 retirees across both public and private sectors now enjoy retirement benefits that are steady, reliable, and transparent.’

Listing other interventions, she said: ‘There has been enhanced pensions for over 241,000 retirees, representing 80per cent of those under Programmed Withdrawal. Monthly pensions rose from ?12.157 billion to ?14.837 billion, effective June 2025.

‘There is now Zero Waiting Time for Pension Payments. Since July 2025, no retiree waits to access their pensions. Payments are now immediate, aligned with monthly salary releases from the Federal Ministry of Finance.’

She revealed that later this year, PenCom would be focusing on pensioners in lower-income categories, and would be providing them health insurance to ensure dignity and security beyond financial pensions.

Nigeria’s inflation rate recorded its biggest drop in recent period to 18.02 per cent in September as above average decline in prices of basic food items, a stable currency and improved costs of logistics sustained improvement in average cost of living.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) yesterday released its latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) Report showing that headline inflation rate dropped by 210 basis points from 20.12 per cent in August 2025 to 18.02 per cent in September 2025. It was the sixth consecutive time since April 2025.

The decline in headline inflation rate was driven by broad improvements in prices, especially with substantial drop in prices of food items. Food inflation had dropped by 500 basis points from 21.87 per cent in August 2025 to 16.87 points in September 2025.

The decline in food inflation was attributed to decrease in the average prices of common food items like maize grains, garri, beans, millet, potatoes, onions, eggs, tomatoes and fresh pepper among others.

Core inflation- which measures all items excluding farm produce and energy, dropped by 80 basis points to 19.53 per cent in September 2025 as against 20.33 per cent in August 2025.

The continuing disinflation mirrored analysts’ consensus on the price outlook, with headline inflation expected to drop further in the months ahead.

The NBS attributed the disinflation to the crash in the cost of food, energy and transportation.

NBS stated: ‘The average annual rate of food inflation for the twelve months ending September 2025 over the previous twelve-month average was 24.06 per cent, which was 13.47 per cent points lower compared with the average annual rate of change recorded in September 2024 at 37.53 per cent’.

The NBS report outlined disparity in prices across the country with all-items inflation rate for September 2025 highest in Adamawa, 23.69 per cent; Katsina, 23.53 per cent; and Nasarawa, with 22.29 per cent while Anambra, 9.28 per cent; Niger, 11.79 per cent and Bauchi, with 12.36 per cent recorded the lowest headline inflation rates.

Economists and finance experts yesterday were unanimous that the continuing disinflation reflected the improvements in macroeconomic environment.

They however called for concerted fiscal policies to significantly expand the macroeconomic gains on the living conditions of the citizenry.

Experts expected the continuing disinflation to translate into further reduction in benchmark interest rate and stronger naira, potentially enhancing consumers’ purchasing power.

The NBS report came a day after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised Nigeria’s growth forecast to 3.9 per cent in 2025 and 4.1 per cent in 2026, citing improvements in the country’s macroeconomic outlook.

The IMF stated that the upgrade of its national growth projection for Nigeria was also based on favourable domestic situation.

Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, said the decline in inflation rate was ‘a significant indicator of improving macroeconomic conditions and policy traction’.

He however called for coordinated policies to improve average household purchasing power, consumer confidence, and real incomes.

‘The gains achieved so far must therefore be consolidated through decisive and well-targeted policy actions,’ Yusuf said.

According to him, the sustained disinflation trend is a welcome development and a sign of improving macroeconomic fundamentals, but government must do more to address fundamental basis of high cost of livings for low- and middle-income households.

He said: ‘The next phase of reform must therefore prioritize welfare-focused and cost-reduction measures that deliver tangible relief to citizens.

‘Business confidence is rising, but consumer confidence remains fragile. Policies that enhance productivity, stabilise prices, and reduce the structural cost of doing business will not only strengthen the disinflation trajectory but also foster inclusive and sustainable economic recovery.

‘With consistency, coordination, and structural reforms, Nigeria can achieve a stable single-digit inflation rate over the medium term – anchoring growth, improving welfare, and restoring confidence in the economy’.

He outlined that in order to consolidate the current gains and sustain the disinflation momentum, the government must enhance food security and agricultural productivity, reduce logistics and transport costs, address energy and production costs, expand access to affordable finance and deepen reforms in port and trade logistics.

Analysts at SCM Capital said disinflation trend reflected gains from economic reforms, foreign exchange (forex) rate stability and seasonal food supply dynamics.

‘Inflation is projected to decline further in October 2025, supported by sustained forex stability, moderating input costs, and improved domestic supply conditions. The harvest season should further ease food prices, extending the disinflation trend.

‘With inflation easing for six consecutive months, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) may consider another rate cut to stimulate growth. Overall, price pressures are expected to remain subdued, sustaining the economy’s momentum’, SCM Capital stated.

Analysts at CardinalStone noted that the ‘moderating inflation bodes well for Nigeria’s currency valuation’.

Analysts pointed out that the decline in food inflation in September was atypical of the range in recent years, but was relatively common between 1996 and 2005, a period marked by greater food security.

Analysts said the magnitude of the current month-on-month decline was larger than the historical average of 0.65 per cent observed during those earlier periods.

‘This outsized food inflation decline may have been partly prompted by the recent material drop in market food prices and easing security concerns,’ CardinalStone stated.

According to analysts, the ongoing disinflationary trends bode well for currency valuation with the combination of a sustained current account surplus and a steady build-up in forex reserves expected to underpin further naira appreciation.

CardinalStone projected that naira would close the year within the range of N1,400 and N1,450 per dollar.

‘The softer inflation outlook reinforces the case for additional monetary easing by the CBN at its November policy meeting. We expect a 100 basis points reduction in Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 26.0 per cent.

‘Lower inflation and an expected policy rate cut are likely to drive further yield compression across the naira credit market. While the curve may remain inverted, we expect a sharper adjustment at the short end of the curve.

‘In October, we see scope for further moderation in inflation, as the drivers that were obtainable in September 2025 are likely to persist,’ CardinalStone stated.

In a country where health challenges are often addressed too late and stress is a daily companion, one wellness professional is leading a quiet revolution-powered not by pills, but by nature itself. Gbemisola Falade, a seasoned wellness expert and the Steam Bath Coordinator at Lasena Natural Steam Bath and Health Resort, Isheri, Ogun State, is urging Nigerians to take their health into their own hands-by embracing the healing powers of water and earth.

‘We need to be more proactive about our health,’ Falade said in a passionate interview. ‘People wait until they fall sick, but wellness is something we should prioritise every day. Our bodies are constantly sending signals-we just need to listen.’ And at Lasena, listening starts with nature.

Discovered in 2009, the Lasena Aquifer lay hidden beneath the Nigerian earth for over a million years. Rising naturally from a depth of 522 meters, this ancient water source flows upward through 16 layers of clay, emerging naturally hot at 70°C-a phenomenon Falade describes as ‘a gift from nature.’ This natural steam is what powers Nigeria’s first and only natural steam bath, a facility that has grown into a sanctuary for those seeking more than just relaxation-those seeking renewal.

‘The water is untreated, completely natural, and rich in 13 different minerals,’ Falade explained. ‘It contains sulphates, nitrates, potassium, calcium, silica, and zinc-all in safe and beneficial proportions. These minerals work together to lower blood pressure, stabilize sugar levels, improve circulation, and boost the immune system.’

Every guest at Lasena begins their journey with a health assessment. Certified nurses check vital signs like blood pressure and blood sugar levels to tailor each experience. ‘Some people do it once a week, others once a month,’ Falade said. ‘It depends on your health goals.’ After assessment, guests enter the natural steam chamber, followed by a foot soak and cooling shower. Many report immediate results. ‘Some people rush to the restroom right after-detox starts immediately,’ Falade laughed gently. ‘It’s the body’s way of responding to the minerals and natural heat.’ According to her, the water’s Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) of -10 helps eliminate free radicals and toxins, making it both antioxidant and detoxifying. It is, in her words, ‘the only water in Nigeria that heals you by simply being in it.’

Beyond detox, Lasena’s steam therapies have shown promise for managing chronic health issues. ‘We see amazing results for people living with hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, stroke, and partial paralysis,’ Falade noted. Regular steam therapy helps regulate blood sugar and pressure, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation. But Lasena isn’t just about illness. It’s about wellness-relieving stress, improving sleep, opening sinuses, relaxing stiff muscles, and restoring clarity. ‘We’ve seen people walk in drained and walk out transformed,’ she said. ‘That’s not magic-it’s minerals, nature, and care.’

While wellness spas are often associated with high prices and Instagram-worthy aesthetics, Lasena’s mission is different. ‘We define luxury as healthy living,’ Falade said firmly. ‘You can get a massage anywhere. What we offer is deeper. It’s a return to what your body truly needs.’ That commitment extends to the team itself. Lasena staff includes certified nurses and therapists, trained not just in technique, but in empathy and holistic care. ‘We don’t hire just anyone. Our people must understand that our mission is healing. That’s what makes the experience unforgettable.’

Falade is building more than a spa-she’s building a lifestyle brand rooted in nature and science. In addition to steam baths, the resort offers Turkish baths, mineral body scrubs, yoga sessions, therapeutic massages, and wellness consultations. ‘All treatments are designed to complement the body’s natural rhythm,’ she said. ‘We don’t believe in fads. We believe in listening to the body and supporting it with what nature already provides.’

Accessibility is another cornerstone of Lasena’s philosophy. ‘We kept our prices affordable because wellness should not be exclusive,’ she emphasised. ‘Everyone deserves to feel well, no matter their background.’ As Nigeria faces increasing rates of lifestyle-related illnesses, Falade believes natural, preventive solutions like Lasena are not a luxury-but a necessity. ‘This is not just water,’ she concluded. ‘It’s healing. It’s history. It’s hope. And it’s here, beneath our feet.’ With a unique blend of ancient earth science and modern wellness care, Lasena Natural Steam Bath is not just redefining relaxation in Nigeria-it is revolutionising the way we think about health. And if Falade has her way, more Nigerians will embrace nature’s cure-not just when they’re sick, but to stay well, every single day.

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, rounded off their pre-World Cup preparations in style with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Paraguay in Casablanca on Tuesday evening. It was a match filled with pace, precision, and plenty of lessons as Coach Bankole Olowookere’s girls sealed their 12th warm-up game, extending their scoring tally to an impressive 50 goals while conceding just six.

The Flamingos wasted no time announcing their intent, taking the lead inside the opening two minutes. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface launched a pinpoint long ball that found captain Shakirat Moshood, who cleverly laid it off for Mariam Yahaya. The forward made no mistake, chipping the onrushing Paraguayan goalkeeper to give Nigeria an early advantage.

Eight minutes later, Shakirat had a chance to double the lead, but her effort flew just over the bar. Paraguay found a lifeline in the 15th minute after a defensive error from Christiana Sunday gifted them an equaliser against the run of play. The South Americans grew in confidence, forcing Boniface into two fine saves as the Flamingos briefly lost their rhythm.

However, the Nigerians quickly regained control, and just before halftime, they were back in front. A defensive mix-up at the back allowed Yahaya to pounce for her brace in the 44th minute before completing a sensational first-half hat-trick a minute later, thanks to a delightful pass from Kaosarat Olanrewaju.

The second half saw the Flamingos maintain their attacking momentum, with Ayomide Abubakar and Shakirat Moshood both coming close to adding to the tally. Substitute goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu made a crucial save in the 69th minute to preserve Nigeria’s two-goal cushion as Paraguay searched for a route back into the game. In the final moments, another defensive lapse allowed Paraguay to pull one back, but it was too late to deny Nigeria a deserved 3-2 win.

With their Morocco training camp now concluded, the Flamingos will head to Rabat on Wednesday morning to settle into their FIFA accommodation ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off on October 17. Drawn in Group D, Nigeria will open their campaign against Canada on Sunday 19th October, then face France three days later, before wrapping up the group stage against Samoa on October 25.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company, has announced the launch of the King Salman Gate, a landmark multi-use development in Makkah.

Covering up to 12 million square meters adjacent to AlMasjid AlHaram, the project aims to transform Makkah’s urban landscape and strengthen its position as a global model for modern city planning. It will enhance access to the Grand Mosque, improve service quality, and enrich the experience of pilgrims and visitors in line with the Pilgrim Experience Programme.

The integrated mixed-use destination will feature residential, hospitality, commercial, and cultural facilities, accommodating about 900,000 indoor and outdoor worshippers. With a seamless connection to public transport networks, the project is designed for accessibility, sustainability, and comfort.

King Salman Gate will also preserve the city’s cultural heritage by restoring and developing 19,000 square meters of historical sites, blending Makkah’s traditional architecture with world-class infrastructure.

Expected to generate over 300,000 jobs by 2036, the project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals.

Developed by RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the project underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable development and to enhancing Makkah’s status as a spiritual, cultural, and global destination.