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Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has called on Nigerians to unite in support of the national team as they prepare for a critical FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic on Tuesday in Uyo.

Speaking during a pre-match press conference on Monday, the 32-year-old defender emphasised the importance of collective responsibility-both from the players and the nation as a whole-as Nigeria continues its quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

‘It is a very difficult job if you describe that to anyone-understanding the emotion and pressure,’ Troost-Ekong said.

‘This is not a game that I, the coach, or the players can win alone. We need to have a shared responsibility. Everyone has to step up.’

The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with 14 points, unbeaten in their last five qualification matches. However, to secure automatic qualification, they must beat Benin Republic by at least three goals, while also relying on South Africa to lose to Rwanda.

Troost-Ekong also reminded his teammates of the challenge ahead, noting that Benin are the only side to have defeated Nigeria in the qualification campaign so far.

‘We have to be focused. We must give everything. Benin is the only team that has beaten us so far, and we can’t allow that to happen again,’ he said.

The captain urged fans to turn out in large numbers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo to cheer the team to victory.

‘Of course, playing in the stadium, I would love to see it full. I hope that tomorrow everyone will appreciate that and support the team.’

The Super Eagles are aiming to return to the FIFA World Cup after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Popular Nigerian content creator and activist, Mr Macaroni, has taken a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a party filled with the ‘most corrupt people.’

Macaroni’s statement followed the widespread outrage trailing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to grant presidential pardon to 175 convicted individuals, including drug barons, human traffickers, murderers, and illegal miners.

The move, which has drawn sharp criticism across social media, was described by many Nigerians as a betrayal of justice and accountability.

Reacting to a post by an X user, @DOlusegun, who condemned the pardons and urged civil society groups to protest, Mr Macaroni reposted the comment with a fiery response, accusing the APC of hypocrisy.

He wrote:

‘Every evil that the APC once condemned, they now practice and support. APC is a party filled with most corrupt people surrounded by worst sycophants. A marriage of doom and misfortune!’

Vice-President, Kashim Shettima has declared that Governor Peter Mbah has assumed the position of the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu state following his defection to the party on Tuesday.

Shettima said this while welcoming Mbah to the APC at an event held at Okpara Square Enugu.

According to the Vice President, the APC Convention and Constitution stipulated that the Governor is the leader of the party in the state.

‘Your Excellency, you are now the leader of the APC family in Enugu State. I am the vice-president, but the leader of the APC in Borno is Gov. Babagana Zulum.

‘The President of the Senate is the number three citizen but the leader of the party in Akwa Ibom is Gov. Umo Eno.

‘The Speaker of the House of Representatives is the number four citizen but the leader of the party in Kaduna State is the governor of Kaduna state,’ he said.

The vice-president described Igbos as the ‘Nigerian Jews’, geographically mobile, economically enterprising, and educationally ambitious.

Shettima regretted that for the past 12 years, the Ndigbo, one of the most vibrant ethnic groups in Africa, had been in the margin of Nigerian politics.

‘But with the coming of Mbah, with the continuous energy being exhibited by Gov. Hope Uzodinma and Gov. Francis Nwifuru, I believe the Ndigbo have come to the mainstream of Nigeria.

‘I want to assure you that President Bola Tinubu, our leader, is a man for all citizens and all people.

‘A man whose word is his bond, and his sense of inclusion, his real capacity to listen, and his belief in merit over sentiment has made the APC the most formidable political party in Africa,’ Shettima said.

He disclosed that Mbah had always been one of them, stressing, ‘You are a progressive, I am convinced that you had a broom hidden in your umbrella all these years waiting for the right moment to bring it out.

‘We are one family tied to a common destiny. I want to assure all of you that you are very much welcome to the APC and we are one big family.

‘Rest assured that you will be treated justly and fairly and all the developmental initiatives that have been planned for will certainly reach the South-East’.

Shettima commended APC Governors and party leaders in South-East.

A Lagos businessman Ugoh Christogonus Onyewuchi and his company C-PAC Integrated Service Nigeria, have been accused of

stealing N215,800,000.

They were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

The anti-graft agency in a social media post confirmed the development.

The post read: ‘The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, October 13, 2025, arraigned one Ugoh Christogonus Onyewuchi and his company, C-PAC Integrated Service Nigeria,

for alleged theft of N215,800,000 (Two Hundred and Fifteen Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

‘They were arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on retention of proceeds of criminal conduct and stealing to the tune of N215, 800, 000.’

The Lagos State Government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has inaugurated the Community Dialogue Committee (CDC), aimed at curbing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, at the inauguration on Monday, said the initiative marked a significant step in strengthening grassroots mechanisms to combat SGBV.

Vivour-Adeniyi, who was represented by the Community Engagement Officer, DSVA, Ms Adetoun Odumbo, said the primary objective of the CDC was to reinforce community-level structures.

She said the community-level structures would identify, response, and ensure appropriate referral of SGBV cases.

According to her, this strategic approach aims to embed support systems within local communities, to ensure accessibility and effectiveness.

The inauguration event convened approximately 50 representatives from Mushin Local Government and Odi-Olowo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

She said the composition of the Community Dialogue Committee was designed to incorporate key community stakeholders, including respected traditional, community, and religious leaders

‘The composition of the Community Dialogue Committee was designed to incorporate key community stakeholders like representatives from women’s groups, designated youth leaders and advocates for survivors of SGBV.

‘They also include representatives from the health sector, education sector and ward-level representatives from the DSVA or Local Government Area (LGA) Gender Desk Officers,’ the executive secretary said.

Also speaking, the Head of Community Engagement, DSVA, Mr Damilare Adewusi, said the roles and responsibilities entrusted to the CDC members included facilitating community dialogues to raise awareness and address SGBV.

Adewusi said the role of the CDC also included offering immediate and confidential support to survivors, identifying potential cases of violence and ensuring their proper referral to relevant authorities.

He said committee’s role included maintaining accurate, confidential documentation of reported incidents and serving as official liaison officers between their respective communities and the DSVA.

The inaugurated members for Mushin LGA included Community Leader: Mr Femi Okuyemi; Women’s Group Representative: Mrs Adebisi; Youth Leader: Mr Kayode Famodu; Survivors’ Advocate: Ms Anu Okuyemi and Health and Education Representative: Ms Fasanya Omotoyosi.

The inaugurated members for Odi-Olowo LCDA included the Traditional Ruler: High Chief O.A. Oladunjoye Anibaba (Baale of Igbari Odi-Olowo); and Women’s Group Representative: Chief Mrs Mufuliat Adebunmi (Iyaloja of Odi-Olowo)

Also the Youth Leader: Mr Gbenga Falaye; Survivors’ Advocate: Mr Lanre Elegbeleye and the Health and Education Representative: Mrs Folashade Jonad

Participants at the inauguration expressed their profound appreciation to the DSVA for its sustained efforts in promoting a zero-tolerance stance against SGBV.

They further encouraged the agency to continue expanding its vital advocacy and intervention programmes across all communities within Lagos State.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He made the announcement during a press conference in Enugu, describing the move as a step toward greater development and national unity.

CHARTING A NEW COURSE: FROM PDP TO APC

Full Speech

I thank God and the people of Enugu (Ndi Enugu) for standing with me. Today marks an important moment – one of reflection and renewal.

I am here to announce a major decision that will shape our future my move from the PDP to the APC.

This is about our values, our future, and our commitment to serve our people better.

Over the past 28 months, we have achieved great things together.

You believed in me when many had lost faith in politicians. You embraced my ‘Tomorrow Is Here’ vision, and because of your trust, we have made real progress.

Let’s look at what that progress means:

New Smart Green Schools are almost ready.

Primary healthcare centers now exist in all 260 wards.

Crime has dropped by 80%, and health outcomes have greatly improved.

We have built a modern Command and Control Centre with AI-powered security systems and 150 patrol vehicles.

Water is flowing again, roads are being built, and revenue has increased by 600%.

The International Conference Centre is attracting visitors, and Enugu Air has started direct flights.

Tourism and eco-projects are growing fast.

We are building farm estates and improving transport with new CNG buses and terminals.

Old assets like Hotel Presidential and Nigergas are back to life.

Enugu has won national awards as

With his defection, Governor Mbah has not only altered the political landscape of Enugu but also signaled a potential realignment of forces in the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections, as observers say his move could inspire other regional leaders to follow suit in pursuit of stronger federal collaboration.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the start of its Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 46/2025 recruitment. Qualified Nigerian youths are invited to apply online free of charge.

The online application begins on October 14, 2025, and will close on November 25, 2025. Interested candidates should visit the official recruitment portal at www.nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng to complete their applications.

The recruitment is open to both tradesmen and non-tradesmen within specific age limits:

Non-tradesmen must be between 18 and 22 years old.

Tradesmen must be between 18 and 27 years old.

All applicants must be Nigerian citizens and meet the Air Force’s medical, physical, and mental fitness standards.

Candidates must have at least five credits, including Mathematics and English Language, in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB, or NBAIS examinations.

Those applying as tradesmen or sportsmen must also provide professional certificates or other relevant qualifications.

The Air Force emphasized that the entire process is free of charge, warning applicants to beware of fraudsters or fake websites.

Applicants are required to print acknowledgment, consent, and attestation forms, which must be signed by the appropriate local government or security officers.

Successful applicants will later be invited for zonal aptitude tests and further screening at Air Force centres nationwide.

The notice, signed by Air Vice Marshal A. H. Bakari for the Chief of the Air Staff, encouraged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of this opportunity to serve the nation with pride and dedication.

For further inquiries, applicants may use the contact numbers or email addresses provided on the recruitment portal between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Nollywood actress Jemima Osunde has expressed her thoughts on women’s sexual and reproductive health.

The actress, on her Instagram page emphasised the need for empowerment and reproductive health education for women.

‘I truly believe that when you empower women, you empower entire communities,’ she wrote.

Jemima added the importance of choice for women, adding that when they have choices, they get to live life on their own terms. She also spoke on how unplanned pregnancies could affect women.

‘It’s about giving young women access to the information, resources, and healthcare they need to make choices for themselves. Because when women have the power to decide, they can finish school, build careers, and live on their own terms. Unplanned pregnancies can significantly derail a woman’s life. More than we could ever imagine. I support family planning. I support body autonomy and I support women having a shot at life and other things life has got to offer,’ she added.

Hollywood actor, Keanu Reeves has reacted to the rumors that he had tied the knot with his girlfriend Alexandra Grant.

While speaking in an interview with E! News, Reeves applauded Grant for handling the rumors well. He added that he has had good fortune with his love life.

‘Well, that wasn’t the first time. We’ve been going out for a long time. The wedding, it’s a nice thing. People did a lot of nice messages and stuff, but Alexandra just did a wonderful [job] addressing. Like, ‘Thank you, but here’s the reality,’ he stated.

Reeves cleared the air, stating that he had not in fact gotten married yet.

The Federal Ministry of Education has announced a major policy change, stating that Nigerian senior secondary school students in the arts and humanities will no longer be required to obtain a credit pass in Mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) – conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) – as a prerequisite for admission into universities and polytechnics.

Until now, admission seekers in the arts and humanities were mandated to secure five credits, including Mathematics and English Language, just like their counterparts in the sciences and social sciences, to qualify for entry into higher institutions.

According to the ministry via circular released on Tuesday, ‘The revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to remove barriers while maintaining academic standards.’

The new framework, which applies to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies nationwide, outlines the following:

‘Universities: Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics is mandatory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.

‘Polytechnics (ND Level): Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related programs.

‘Polytechnics (HND Level): Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

‘Colleges of Education (NCE Level): Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, with English Language mandatory for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs,’ the statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, read.

Reacting to the development, an education analyst, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, praised the reform, describing it as a step toward inclusivity and easier access to higher education.

‘This is a brilliant reform which we hope will open the doors and improve the ease of admissions into tertiary institutions for more seekers,’ he said.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, noted that the policy aligns with the government’s broader effort to expand access and opportunities within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.