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Against the backdrop of his inauguration as Vice President (Africa) of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has outlined his key priorities for advancing port development across the continent.

Speaking after his inauguration at the just concluded World Ports Conference,with the theme: ‘Reinvention and Prosperity in Turbulent Times’, held in Kobe City, Japan, Dantsoho said his focus will be on effective policy implementation, enhanced collaboration, strengthened cooperation, and improved trade facilitation within Africa’s port sector.

It could be recalled that African ports play a critical role in global trade but face challenges such as infrastructure deficits, policy inconsistency, and limited technological adoption.

However, the NPA MD said unified action among African port authorities and stakeholders to address challenges facing African ports would be central to his leadership agenda at the IAPH.

According to him, his administration, through the deployment of port innovativeness will capture tangible, sustainable investment returns in high-risk environments.

‘This responsibility has fired up my resolve more than ever before to be the vanguard of galvanising national and regional policy action steps geared towards institutionalising ports’ eco-friendliness in line with the dictates of IAPH’s World Ports Sustainability Program.

‘Reinvention and prosperity in turbulent times through the deployment of port innovativeness to capture tangible, sustainable investment returns in high-risk environments is a global exigency that the world can most efficiently surmount if IAPH members speak with one voice through renewed collaboration and cooperation.’

The NPA boss further stated that he will champion full automation of African ports to eliminate trade barriers.

‘I intend to deploy my current role as President of the Pan-African Association for Port Cooperation (PAPC) to more intentionally promote collaboration and cooperation.

‘Cognisant of the catalytic role of automation as the linchpin of ports’ efficiency and sustainability, I intend to infuse greater action behind the necessity of full automation of African Ports as the most veritable tool for elimination of barriers to trade,’ he said.

POCO is not just a smartphone brand – it’s a symbol of confidence, energy, and innovation. With the launch of the POCO M7 and POCO C85, the brand once again challenges expectations by blending power and practicality for a new generation that values both style and substance. From the vibrant streets of Lagos to the creative corners of Abuja, POCO users share one belief – that great performance should be accessible to everyone.

Built for Everyday Champions

The POCO M7 and POCO C85 are crafted for real people living fast-paced, dynamic lives – the students chasing their dreams, the creators capturing moments that matter, and the young professionals balancing ambition with creativity. POCO understands that today’s users don’t just need a smartphone; they need a dependable companion that matches their drive and energy.

The POCO M7, equipped with a massive 7000mAh battery, delivers power that lasts – from the first meeting of the day to late-night entertainment. Its robust performance ensures that whether you’re editing videos, gaming, or multitasking, your phone keeps up without hesitation. Meanwhile, the POCO C85 strikes the perfect balance between performance and elegance, offering a lightweight design with a powerful processor that handles every task with ease.

Both devices feature immersive high-definition displays that make streaming, browsing, and social media scrolling a joy to the eyes. The advanced camera systems capture every detail with clarity and color accuracy, making it easier than ever to turn daily experiences into stunning memories. With optimized MIUI software, the user experience remains fluid and intuitive – from quick app launches to smooth multitasking.

Innovation Meets Accessibility

POCO continues to redefine what affordable technology can achieve. Every new device is engineered to deliver premium experiences once exclusive to flagship models – from large-capacity batteries and crystal-clear AMOLED displays to high-resolution cameras and ultra-smooth performance.

Beyond hardware, POCO stands out for its community-first approach. The brand listens to feedback, engages closely with fans, and collaborates with local partners to build meaningful experiences that go far beyond the product itself. Each campaign and launch embodies the brand’s vision to inspire users to think bigger, live louder, and stay true to their passions.

Real Stories, Real Power

Every POCO user has a story worth sharing. From creators filming their first viral TikTok videos to entrepreneurs managing growing online stores, POCO smartphones have become trusted tools for productivity, creativity, and connection. Nigerian users consistently highlight the brand’s durability, powerful performance, and exceptional battery life – features that make a genuine difference in daily life.

Through social media, the POCO community has evolved into a vibrant movement that mirrors Nigeria’s energetic youth culture – bold, passionate, and forward-thinking. For these users, POCO represents more than a device; it’s a lifestyle built around empowerment and innovation.

POCO’s journey in Nigeria is still young, but its impact is already unmistakable. With the M7 and C85 setting new benchmarks for reliability, design, and performance, POCO has become the go-to brand for those who demand real power, real design, and real value. For anyone asking, ‘Why choose POCO?’ – the answer lies in every satisfied user, every captured memory, and every challenge conquered with a POCO in hand.

Join the POCO Movement

POCO’s presence in Nigeria continues to grow, driven by a loyal and energetic community that believes in authenticity, creativity, and performance.

The Police Command in Kaduna yesterday said it had foiled several banditry attacks, seized one GPMG rifle, fabricated guns and arrested 168 suspects.

Its Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, at a briefing, said it has employed several strategies while working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of lives and property.

He listed the achievements recorded by the command to include arrest of 12 suspected armed robbers, five murder/culpable homicide suspects and 14 suspected illicit drug peddlers among others.

He said: ”These achievements would not have been possible without the support of the Katsina State Government and the good people of the state. We sincerely express our deepest appreciation for their support, collaboration and assistance in our crime-fighting efforts to maintain law and order in the state. We solicit for more support and cooperation from the members of the public to enable us to further improve on these successes. We urge the public to continue reporting suspicious activities and crimes to the nearest police station or use our emergency numbers.”

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday clashed over fleeing Osun Amotekun Commandant, Isaac Omoyele, amid alleged killings of Akinlalu community residents by his corps.

The Nation reports that Amotekun operatives allegedly invaded Akinlalu market square, killing three members of the same family and another resident. Several others allegedly sustained gunshot injuries. Omoyele later claimed he narrowly escaped killing – a claim the police dismissed.

Subsequently, Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the IGP arrested 25 Amotekun corps last Wednesday night. It sealed off their operational-armoury base at Oke-Fia, Osogbo, including the outfit’s Ife central office.

APC in a statement yesterday signed by its Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, admonished Governor Adeleke to produce Osun Amotekun commandant for police investigation.

However, Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, reiterated the governor’s trust in the ongoing police investigation to unravel the details of the killings at Akinlalu.

When Professor Mahmood Yakubu assumed office as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in November 2015, Nigeria’s democratic system was at a crossroads. Years of manual operations, logistical breakdowns, and allegations of electoral manipulation had eroded public confidence. To many, INEC was a bureaucracy struggling under the weight of its own inefficiencies. But to Yakubu, it was an institution on the verge of transformation – one that could be modernised through innovation, data, and technology.

Ten years later, as he stepped down – the first INEC chairman in Nigeria’s history to complete two full terms – his legacy is widely viewed through the lens of the digital revolution that took root under his leadership.

Yakubu on Tuesday handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu as successor on an interim basis. In recognition of decade-long legacy at INEC, President Bola Tinubu conferred upon him the befitting national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger.

As acting chairman, Agbamuche-Mbu inherited an INEC that has undergone one of the most profound technological transformations in its history. Much of that transformation bears the imprint of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose years at the helm redefined how elections are conducted, monitored, and perceived in Africa’s largest democracy.

When Professor Yakubu assumed office in November 2015, Nigeria’s electoral landscape was mired in challenges – logistical inefficiency, accusations of bias, and a pervasive distrust of official results. Yet, for Yakubu, the task was not just to conduct elections, but to reinvent the machinery that made them possible.

Over the years, he pursued a vision of technology-driven credibility, anchored in the belief that democracy must rest on systems that are transparent, verifiable, and resilient against manipulation. His leadership style blended academic precision with institutional pragmatism, and his reforms would ultimately turn INEC from a manual bureaucracy into a data-driven agency.

At the heart of Yakubu’s reforms was the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) – a device that became synonymous with Nigeria’s new electoral era. Designed to authenticate voters using both fingerprints and facial recognition, BVAS addressed one of the country’s longest-standing problems: voter impersonation and multiple voting.

Replacing the old Smart Card Reader, BVAS added a layer of biometric verification that significantly reduced irregularities. It also transmitted accreditation data electronically, linking the number of verified voters directly to the results uploaded from polling units. This innovation drastically curtailed opportunities for result manipulation and established a digital trail for every stage of the process.

BVAS was first tested during the Anambra State governorship election in November 2021, marking a cautious but ground-breaking departure from traditional methods. The results encouraged broader adoption. By the time Nigeria held its 2023 general elections, BVAS had become the centrepiece of electoral accreditation nationwide, backed by the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

Despite isolated technical hitches, BVAS symbolised Yakubu’s commitment to using technology as a bulwark for integrity. It represented the institutionalisation of trust – a message that every vote must count and that every voter must be verified.

If BVAS strengthened the mechanics of voting, the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) redefined electoral transparency. Launched in 2020, the portal allowed polling unit results to be uploaded in real time and viewed publicly by citizens, journalists, and observers.

For the first time, Nigerians could monitor their elections live, tracking results as they appeared from even the most remote corners of the country. This digital innovation shattered decades of opacity in the collation process, transforming what had long been a closed-door exercise into a public spectacle of accountability.

Yakubu often described transparency as ‘the oxygen of democracy,’ and the IReV portal embodied that conviction. Even when technical issues or connectivity gaps arose, the system represented a cultural shift – a move toward open governance in electoral administration.

Beyond BVAS and IReV, INEC under Yakubu underwent a quiet but sweeping digital overhaul. Several core processes that had once relied on manual inputs were automated. The online candidate nomination portal, for instance, allowed political parties to upload the names and details of their nominees electronically, minimising human interference and reducing disputes.

Observer accreditation, collation templates, and logistical data management were also digitised. The commission’s adoption of secure digital platforms streamlined its workflow and created a database-driven environment where decisions could be monitored, verified, and audited.

Another landmark achievement was the institutionalisation of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). The CVR initiative enabled citizens to register or update their details year-round rather than only before elections. This digital inclusion policy broadened the voter base and enhanced the accuracy of Nigeria’s voter register – now among the largest and most comprehensive in Africa.

To improve operational efficiency, Yakubu also introduced the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC), a data analytics hub that tracked polling activities in real time. Using dashboards and key performance indicators, the EMSC provided field updates that helped INEC identify and resolve problems promptly during elections. This internal digital infrastructure, though less publicised, became one of the most powerful tools of reform – turning INEC into a responsive, data-literate institution capable of rapid decision-making.

Yakubu’s vision of reform was not only technological but also humanistic. He believed that innovation should promote inclusion and access. Under his leadership, INEC developed systems to accommodate persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Tactile ballot guides were introduced for the visually impaired, while new digital mapping techniques allowed INEC to locate IDP settlements and ensure their participation in elections. These efforts underscored the idea that technology in democracy is most meaningful when it empowers the most vulnerable.

Yet, the journey was not without obstacles. The 2023 general elections exposed the limits of Nigeria’s digital readiness. Delays in result upload to IReV, network disruptions, and logistical lapses fuelled public frustration. Critics accused the commission of overpromising, while supporters defended the reforms as evolutionary rather than instantaneous.

Yakubu was candid about the challenges. ‘Technology is not a magic wand,’ he said after the polls. ‘It is an enabler that requires constant refinement.’ He maintained that the real value of innovation lies in its ability to provide traceable evidence – allowing every dispute to be resolved on the basis of data rather than speculation.

Despite the criticism, independent observers, including the European Union and ECOWAS Election Mission, acknowledged that Nigeria’s elections had become more transparent and technically verifiable than ever before.

Perhaps Yakubu’s most underappreciated legacy was his defence of INEC’s autonomy. Throughout his decade-long leadership, he faced pressure from powerful political interests but consistently emphasised the commission’s neutrality. His tenure preserved INEC’s independence as a constitutional body, even amid heated national contests.

Under his watch, INEC expanded polling units for the first time in 25 years, regularised the electoral calendar, and professionalised its staff through training in data management, cyber security, and election technology. The cumulative effect was the birth of an institution that not only conducted elections but also evolved as a learning organisation – one that understood its duty to adapt, innovate, and improve.

Professor Yakubu’s decade at INEC was not without flaws, but it was undoubtedly transformative. He envisioned a commission that used technology not for show, but as a safeguard – a tool to anchor democracy in transparency and verifiable truth. Today, Nigeria’s electoral process stands on a stronger digital foundation. Voter accreditation is more credible, results are more transparent, and institutions are more accountable. The road ahead will require fine-tuning and resilience, but Yakubu’s legacy has already altered the DNA of election management in Nigeria.

As one analyst put it, ‘He did not perfect the system, but he gave it a soul – a digital conscience.’

The Coalition of All Civil Society Organisations in Ondo State (CACSOD) and All Progressives Congress (APC) have clashed over the mass defection of opposition lawmakers in the House of Assembly to the ruling party.

This came after two lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oladiji Oguntudo – representing Akure South Constituency I, and Raymond Daodu, Deputy Minority Leader – representing Akoko South West Constituency I, officially announced their defection to the APC at the plenary of the House of Assembly.

Before their defection, Messrs Oguntudo and Daodu were the remaining PDP members in the state legislature, presided over by the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, which is dominated by the APC.

The defection of the two lawmakers from the PDP now makes it a total of 26 APC legislators dominating the House of Assembly, with no opposition in the parliament.

While CACSOD described the development as a major threat to democracy and accountability, APC countered, saying the decision of the PDP lawmakers to defect to its fold was a testament to the ruling party’s commitment to delivering results and transforming lives.

In a statement issued over the weekend and signed by its Chairman, Alo Martins, the civil society group expressed worry that legislature without opposition was dangerous for governance and public accountability.

According to the group, ‘a democratic system without an effective opposition is a democracy in name only.

‘Opposition lawmakers are essential for checks and balances, rigorous policy debates and oversight of the executive arm. When the legislature becomes a one-party chamber, it risks degenerating into a rubber stamp, unable to question policies, demand transparency, or defend citizens’ interests.’

The group described the mass defection as a ‘betrayal of the electorate’s trust,’ noting that the lawmakers were elected based on specific party manifestos and platforms.

CACSOD said: ‘Voters who supported opposition candidates now find themselves represented by members of the ruling party without their consent. Such political opportunism undermines the integrity of elections and erodes citizens’ faith in the democratic process.’

The coalition called on the National Assembly and the ongoing Constitution Review Committee to strengthen the anti-defection law, particularly Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows defections on the grounds of internal party division.

It said the clause had been ‘grossly abused by politicians, who manufactured or exaggerated internal crises to justify crossing over to the ruling side.’

CACSOD added: ‘We further call for a constitutional amendment that makes it mandatory for any elected official, who wishes to defect from the party under which they were elected, to first resign from office and seek a fresh mandate under their new platform.’

The group warned that the absence of opposition in the assembly could erode accountability, stifle dissenting voices and embolden impunity in governance.

It urged citizens to be vigilant and reject politicians who engaged in ‘political carpet-crossing’ for personal gain.

But in a swift reaction, the APC dismissed the criticism, describing the defections as a validation of the party’s progressive governance under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement signed by its Director, Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, the party explained that both leaders had demonstrated a commitment to the development of Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.

APC said it rejected the notion that the political movement was a betrayal of democratic values, maintaining that in a competitive polity, elected representatives retained the right to choose the platform that best enabled them to serve their constituents.

In a move to advance women’s empowerment across the globe, the NHN Women Network has announced its anticipated 10th Annual Retreat, scheduled to take place across two continents-Doha, Qatar, and Shanghai, China-from October 13 to October 23.

Under the compelling theme: ‘The Total Woman Building a Confident and a Secured Woman,’ this transformative event aims to equip women with vital tools and insights to excel amid today’s ever-changing world.

Founded by Mrs. Nkechi Harry Ngonadi, the NHN Women Network has established itself as a formidable platform dedicated to advocating for women’s rights, fostering community, and nurturing leadership.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the network marks a decade of impactful initiatives-ranging from education and spiritual growth to community service and economic empowerment.

Dr. Ngonadi, also the CEO of NHN Couture, emphasizes the network’s mission to harness social media for kingdom purposes, highlighting the organization’s significant growth over the past eight years.

She underscores the retreat’s theme as a reflection of every woman’s journey to realize her divine calling, emphasizing that ‘a total woman is a masterpiece of God’s creation-fearfully and wonderfully made.’

She advocates for embracing true identity, cultivating self-awareness, and developing a sense of purpose as core to building confidence and security.

The retreat is designed as a life-changing experience, focusing on enduring trials, carrying burdens, overcoming exhaustion, and trusting the divine process, as encapsulated in 1 Peter 5:10.

Attendees will find opportunities for spiritual renewal, emotional strength, and renewed purpose, all within a supportive community.

Key elements of the retreat include self-discovery-understanding strengths, weaknesses, and passions-inner strength development through resilience and emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven living by discovering values and pursuing goals. The event will also emphasize building a support system of positive relationships and empowering principles such as faith, self-care, personal growth, and community service.

Dr. Ngonadi elaborates on the network’s mission through NHN THE WARROOM, which centers on prayer and intercession.

She states that the organization’s goal is to reach the world through prayer, interceding for lost souls and winning them to Christ, reflecting the spiritual foundation of the network.

The retreat aims to elevate participants’ spiritual, physical, and mental wellness by providing a rejuvenating environment for women to rest, unwind, and share their stories.

The ultimate goal is to equip women with the tools and inspiration to triumph over life’s challenges.

Over the years, the network has achieved remarkable milestones, reaching over 12 million individuals through media, building ten rural churches, supporting missionaries, funding school fees in eight Nigerian states, paying for hospital bills, and engaging in various economic empowerment programs.

Inspired by scriptures such as Matthew 6:33 and Job 42:10, the network commits two hours and sixty minutes daily to prayer and fasting, conducting regular meetings, quarterly fasting sessions, and annual events to further its mission.

This year’s retreat in Doha and China promises an inspiring lineup of renowned speakers, including Pastor Kingsley and Mildred Okonkwo, Pastor Eno Jerry, Pastor Tinu Asegieme, Pastor David and Pastor Sunmbo Adeoye, Dr. Stephen Akintayo, Pastor Gideon Mba, Dr. Reuben and Kike Abati, Rev. Christie Bature, Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye, Amaka Chika Mbonu, Apostle Kadesha Jenkins, Betty Irabor, and many more.

Participants can look forward to a rich schedule of workshops, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions focused on personal development, mental health, financial literacy, and effective leadership-designed to foster community and empower women from diverse backgrounds.

Dr. Ngonadi emphasizes the importance of the theme, stating, ‘In a world where women face numerous challenges, it is crucial that we create spaces where they can build confidence and feel secure in their identities. Our mission extends beyond education-we aim to transform lives through empowerment and spiritual revival.’

For more information and registration details, visit www.nhnthewarroom.com. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to be part of a global movement dedicated to uplifting women and transforming lives through faith, purpose, and empowerment.

Chief Executive of Channels Media Group, John Momoh, has stressed that to achieve the aims of proper education reforms, teachers should not remain undervalued and underpaid.

He stressed the need for deliberate investment in teacher training, incentives for rural service, and continuous professional development that rewards merit and integrity.

Momoh delivered the Baptist Academy 170th Anniversary lecture: ‘Bridging the Gap – Restoring Trust Between Schools, Government and Society’, in Lagos.

He noted that rebuilding confidence in secondary education requires a social contract between government, educators, parents, alumni, and the private sector. He said Nigeria needs to restore the dignity of the teaching profession.

‘We cannot continue to demand excellence from classrooms where morale is broken and salaries are uncertain. We need investment in teacher training, incentives for rural service, and continuous professional development that rewards merit and integrity.

‘We must remember that education is the truest form of nation-building. Every classroom rebuilt, every teacher trained, every student mentored is an act of national renewal. Our nation’s moral compass and future prosperity depend on the kind of citizens our schools produce,’ he said.

He noted that alumni associations like BAOSA can adopt schools, renovate facilities, provide solar power, or equip libraries and ICT labs to demonstrate that education is not the government’s burden alone, but a collective inheritance and responsibility.

BAOSA President, Olumide Ajomale said the event was an opportunity for old students to stand in gratitude, reflection and renewed commitment as they celebrate an institution whose light has shone brightly since October 24, 1855.

He said as the institution marks its 170 years of truth and excellence, there is a need for old students to renew their collective resolve to uphold the ideals upon which the institution was founded.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of BAOSA, Kesington Adebutu, announced a N50 million donation as part of the BAOSA Infrastructural Development Fund(B-IDC).

He noted that the education received by the old students from Baptist Academy not only moulded their character, but it also prepared them for leadership in their various endeavours.

Interswitch has officially kicked off the fifth edition of its flagship industry engagement series, TechConnect 5.0, with the Enugu leg of the nationwide tour.

The event, which held recently at the Best Western Hotel, Enugu, convened financial leaders, policymakers, innovators, and business stakeholders to explore the evolving dynamics of Nigeria’s digital payments ecosystem and the opportunities that lie at the intersection of innovation, collaboration, and compliance.

Anchored on the theme, ‘United Frontiers: Growth Powered by Innovation, Collaboration and Compliance,’ the Enugu edition delivered high-impact sessions, hands-on product showcases, and thought-provoking discussions that offered participants actionable insights to scale their operations and strengthen the wider ecosystem.

One of the key highlights was the panel session titled ‘Scaling Digital Payments: Tackling Infrastructure, Financial Proficiency, and Fraud for Inclusive Growth,’ which addressed critical challenges such as infrastructure gaps, limited financial literacy, and rising fraud.

Speakers emphasised the need for ecosystem-wide cooperation, shared infrastructure, and enhanced consumer education to sustain trust in Nigeria’s digital payment systems.

This was complemented by a fireside chat themed ‘Collaboration as a Growth Multiplier: Unlocking Potentials Through Digitised Payments,’ where industry experts explored how strategic partnerships among banks, fintechs, regulators, and merchants can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and expand access to financial services.

Speaking on the event, Akeem Lawal, Managing Director, Payment Processing and Switching (Interswitch PurePay), reaffirmed Interswitch’s commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy.

‘TechConnect 5.0 provides a vital platform for engaging with industry stakeholders, co-creating solutions, and addressing the real challenges that define our industry. The conversations here in Enugu have reinforced the importance of innovation, collaboration and compliance in building a more inclusive and resilient payments ecosystem,’ he said.

Beyond the discussions, participants also experienced Interswitch’s suite of innovative solutions designed to drive efficiency, scale operations, and unlock value for businesses of all sizes.

Live product demonstrations and customer success stories showcased how the company’s technology is enabling efficiency, transparency, and growth for businesses across Nigeria.

The event also featured an awards presentation, where outstanding partners and contributors were recognised for their commitment to driving digital transformation and innovation across the financial ecosystem.

The Enugu edition marks a successful opening for the TechConnect 5.0 tour, which its organisers said, will continue in Abuja on October 14th at The Wells Carlton Hotel, and culminate in a grand finale in Lagos on November 11th, 2025, at the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, Victoria Island.

With TechConnect setting the standard, Interswitch continues to reinforce its role as a trusted partner in powering Africa’s digital transformation, advancing financial inclusion, and shaping a resilient and collaborative, innovation-driven future

Tomorrow’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Nigeria and Benin promises to be an exciting encounter, especially with the sole Group C automatic ticket at stake.

Gernot Rohr, the German coach of the Beninese national team, has expressed optimism about his team’s chances despite the challenges of playing away in Uyo. The Cheetahs currently lead their qualification group with 17 points, positioned ahead of Nigeria, who has 14 points, and South Africa with 15 points.

Rohr acknowledged the importance of the match, highlighting that any result other than a defeat could significantly boost Benin’s chances of securing a World Cup spot.

‘My opinion about the matches on Tuesday is that everybody (the top three teams)can still qualify but I think South Africa has a big chance if they win the home game against Rwanda,’ the former Bordeaux player trainer told NationSports, adding the Amavubi Warriors must play fairly despite being out of the race following Friday’s loss to The Cheetahs in Kigali. ‘Rwanda must play the game seriously even if they are eliminated.’

Rohr remains confident that his side can even grind a good result in Uyo, adding any result other than a defeat to Nigeria, can push them towards a historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

‘ Of course, the game between us (Benin) and Nigeria can be decisive,’ Rohr, who incidentally qualified the Super Eagles for their last World Cup appearance at Russia 2018, explained.

‘If we win, we qualify automatically and we are going to Uyo with little optimism but we have it in our hands .’

The Cheetahs will be without key players Sessi d’Almedia and Yohan Roche due to suspensions, but the former Bundesliga defender said Benin will put up a good fight.

‘ Though I don’t have players like Nigeria where when one is out , the other that comes in can be at the same level,’ noted Rohr. ‘But we would try.

‘I have fond memories in Uyo with Nigeria when we beat Zambia in 2017 to qualify for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup and I will like to do it again with a smaller country, Benin , which is going to be a football miracle , and miracle do happens,’ he added.

Meanwhile, Elvis Dedjinou Zanclan, a journalist from Cotonou, said the ‘David vs. Goliath’ narrative surrounding the match, add to the excitement.

He admitted that while Nigeria is the stronger team, there is a growing sentiment in Benin that an upset could occur.

‘ It’s David versus Goliath,’ Zanclan told NationSports.’ The general public here knows Nigeria is above our team but there is a growing belief that a miracle is possible.

‘ Never in the past years Benin have reached this point, so let’s wait and see,’ he added.