Category: PM News

Argentina overwhelmed the Flying Eagles of Nigeria with a ruthless 4-0 victory on Wednesday night, sealing a commanding win in their Under-20 World Cup round of 16 match to qualify for the quarter-finals.

The match at the Estadio Ciudad de la Plata in Chile.

The South American side showed composure, precision, and clinical finishing throughout, while the Flying Eagles struggled to find rhythm despite flashes of attacking promise.

The tone was set early when Alejo Sarco opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, tapping home from close range after a smart assist from Dylan Gorosito. The goal gave Argentina early control, leaving the Nigerian defence scrambling to regroup.

Their momentum continued in the 23rd minute, when Maher Carrizo curled in a sensational free-kick from just outside the box, doubling the lead and electrifying the crowd.

The Flying Eagles’ attempts to fight back were undone by poor finishing. Tahir Maigana, Daniel Daga, and Amos Ochoche all had opportunities, but their efforts were either blocked or sent off target. The closest came late in the first half when Daga’s header forced a brilliant save from Argentine goalkeeper Santino Barbi. Argentina, however, never looked troubled. The third goal arrived in the 53rd minute, as Carrizo once again showed composure, this time finishing coolly past Ebenezer Harcourt after a perfect through ball from Milton Delgado.

Mateo Silvetti sealed the rout in the 66th minute, firing low into the bottom corner after slipping past two defenders. The goal reflected Argentina’s dominance in possession and fluid attacking transitions.

Nigeria’s frustrations boiled over in the 77th minute when Emmanuel Ekele was booked for a reckless tackle, with VAR confirming only a yellow card after review. Despite late attempts by Kparobo Arierhi and Auwal Ibrahim, Nigeria couldn’t find a breakthrough.

The match closed with Argentina in complete control, dictating tempo and keeping the Flying Eagles pinned deep.

The final whistle from Italian referee Maurizio Mariani confirmed a resounding victory that underlined Argentina’s title ambitions and Nigeria’s need to rebuild.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the passing of renowned Nigerian statesman and corporate icon, Dr Christopher Kolade, describing him as ‘one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures’ and ‘a representation of the true Nigerian – selfless and resilient.’

In an official statement from State House on Thursday, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to Dr Kolade, who passed away at the age of 92. The President acknowledged Dr Kolade’s towering legacy as a broadcaster, diplomat, humanitarian, and corporate governance pioneer, praising his lifelong dedication to excellence, integrity, and national service. Dr Kolade’s illustrious career spanned several decades, with leadership roles across various sectors, including his tenure as Chief Executive and later Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, and his diplomatic service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He was also a respected educationist and a key figure at Lagos Business School, where he championed corporate governance and ethical leadership. President Tinubu also highlighted Dr Kolade’s contributions to humanitarian causes, particularly through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, which supported sickle cell patients and other vulnerable groups.

‘His passing is agonising, yet we must celebrate his life and legacy,’ Tinubu said. ‘He lived an exemplary life and immortalised himself in his uncommon service to our nation and humanity.’

The President concluded his tribute with a prayer, asking God to grant the late elder statesman eternal rest.

Dr Kolade leaves behind a legacy of excellence and moral leadership that will continue to inspire generations.

Manchester United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has urged fans to be patient with manager Ruben Amorim, insisting the Portuguese tactician deserves at least three years to prove he’s the right man for the job.

Amorim, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon in November last year, has endured a turbulent spell at Old Trafford. United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, their worst campaign since 1974 when the club was relegated.

Despite spending over £200 million on new signings in the summer, the Red Devils have already suffered three league defeats this season and were embarrassingly knocked out of the EFL Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town. Rumours swirled last week that Amorim’s job was on the line, but Ratcliffe dismissed such claims, describing the coach as a ‘good guy’ who simply needs time.

‘He has not had the best of seasons,’ Ratcliffe said on The Business podcast by The Times.

‘Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be.’

The Ineos billionaire, who controls major football decisions at the club despite owning just under 30%, also took a swipe at the media for demanding instant success. ‘The press, sometimes I don’t understand,’ Ratcliffe said.

‘They want overnight success. They think it’s a light switch you flick it and everything’s fine tomorrow. You can’t run Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions.’

Ratcliffe further defended the Glazer family, often criticised by fans, describing them as ‘passionate’ about the club.

When asked if the Glazers could force Amorim’s dismissal, he replied firmly:

‘That’s not going to happen.’

Amorim, 40, has faced heavy criticism for sticking to his 3-4-2-1 formation, but Ratcliffe appears determined to back his manager – at least for now.

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Thursday remanded a 42-year-old carpenter, Abdulrahman Malik for allegedly defiling his 17-year-old daughter, (name withheld).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Rahman Oshodi remanded Malik in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, pending trial and determination of the case.

Rahman adjourned the case until Jan. 15.

Earlier, the Lagos State Government arraigned Malik on a three-count charge of defilement of a child, incapacitating in order to commit felony and sexual assault. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The State Lead Counsel, Mr Babajide Boye, had told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence between 2015 and 2020 in Elepe Royal Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Boye submitted that the defendant drugged the minor with sleep-inducing medication with an intent to have unlawful sex with her.

According to the prosecution, the offence contravenes the provisions of Sections 137, 263 and 239 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Police operatives have arrested 12 suspects alleged involved in a robbery incident that led to the death of Barnabas Danlami – a security guard and Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, a staff of Arise TV staff at unique apartment, Gishiri village, Katampe district of Federal Capital Territory, FCT on 29 September 2025.

The suspects were arrested by Operatives of the scorpion squad of the FCT Police Command led by ACP Victor Godfrey acting on actionable digital and reconstructive intelligenceThe suspects, according to a police report, were Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. abba, Sani Sirajo a.k.a. dan borume, Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. abba, Suleiman Badamasi and Abdul Salam saleh a.k.a. na-durudu. The other suspects are Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. gwaska, Musa adamu a.k.a. musa hassan , Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. baby , Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. abbati and Musa Umar.

According to the police report, four of the suspects were apprehended through the tracking of phones stolen from the scene of the robbery immediately after the incident.

One of the suspects identified as Shamsudeen Hassan allegedly confessed that he shot the security guard when he attempted to prevent members of his gang from gaining access to the apartment. He also confessed that he drove the white Honda CR-V jeep out of the apartment after the operation.

Another of the suspect, Sani Sirajo also reportedly confessed to have tried to hold Maduagwu from falling off the three-storey building, but was overwhelmed by her weight.

The four suspects admitted that they each received ?200,000 from the proceeds of the crime.

Police list items recovered from the four suspects to include one fabricated Ak-47 rifle, 36 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one locally made pistol, one pump-action gun, two live cartridges, four mobile phones of the victims, two sharp knives, one cutlass and nine torchlights used during the operation

The Police said in the report that the remaining members of the gang and other accomplices involved in the incident were intercepted while going for an already planned armed robbery operation in Maitama area of Abuja.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has expressed relief over the apparent progress toward ending the protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas, describing it as a long-awaited moment of hope for both Israelis and Palestinians after two years of devastating loss.

In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Obama said the prospect of peace and the return of hostages offered a much-needed ray of optimism following months of bloodshed. ‘After two years of unimaginable loss and suffering for Israeli families and the people of Gaza, we should all be encouraged and relieved that an end to the conflict is within sight,’ Obama wrote. He said the anticipated truce would not only reunite hostages with their families but also allow desperately needed humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza ‘whose lives have been shattered.’

Beyond the ceasefire, Obama urged both sides to focus on long-term reconciliation and reconstruction, stressing that rebuilding Gaza must go hand in hand with recognising the ‘common humanity and basic rights of both peoples.’

He emphasised that achieving a lasting peace would require determination from Israelis and Palestinians, backed by sustained international support, including from the United States. The former president’s remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing the two-year conflict to a definitive close and paving the way for stability in the region.

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has selected attacking midfielder Shakirat Moshood, goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, defender Jumai Adebayo and forward Queen Joseph among a squad of 21 players to fly Nigeria’s flag at this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.

The Flamingos arrived in Morocco’s commercial and industrial capital, Casablanca, on Wednesday, for the final phase of preparations for the competition, which will take place 17th October – 8th November.

Bankole, who led Nigeria to a bronze medal-finish at the 2022 edition of the competition in India, is confident that the Class of 2025 have what it takes to go steps higher than his 2022 bronze winners. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface, defenders Azeezat Oduntan and Christiana Sunday, midfielders Muinat Rotimi and Zainab Raji, and forwards Chisom Nwachukwu and Mariam Yahaya are also included.

The Flamingos have been drawn in Group D, alongside Canada, France, and Samoa. Nigeria will kick off their campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, before facing France three days later – both matches scheduled for 8 p.m Nigerian time at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) and Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 1) in the city of Sale.

Their final group stage encounter will be against Samoa on October 25, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 3) still in Sale. Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens)

Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Rivers Angels); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99); Fatimoh Shuaib (Nasarawa Amazons)

Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy); Zainab Raji (Dannaz FC); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC)

Forwards: Kaosarat Olanrewaju (Ayishat Yusuf Academy, Lagos); Mariam Yahaya (FC Robo); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos, Edo); Precious Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels)

The Management of Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd (BEC Ltd) has said it is intensifying efforts to complete installation of the newly acquired 60 Mega Watts (MW) gas powered plant in the state.

Mr. Steve Bubagah Jnr, Director Operations of the company, gave the assurance while conducting newsmen on a facility tour of the plant sited at Elebele, Ogbakor Local Government Area on the state.

Bubagah said that the project when completed would ensure uninterrupted power supply in Yenagoa and its environs.

The director operations, reiterated the firm’s resolve to deliver the project according to specifications and within timelines, as the project the project has reached 85 per cent completion.

According to him: ‘We are progressing seriously, at this stage, we are about locating the turbine properly based on the dimension that is what we are doing now.

‘We are installing the accessories after which we will have a full blown turbine. The moment installation is fully completed the next stage is to pre commission.

‘As we all know the governor must have been airing his views in public. We are about 85 per cent done with reticulation of our 33 KVA network,’ he explained.

He said that Yenagoa and its environs shall benefit from the gas turbine on or before the end of this year, as promised by Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa.

Also speaking, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Print Media and Public Affairs, Mr Wisdom Ikuli, described Diri’s infrastructural projects as the best in the history of Bayelsa.

He noted that upon the completion of the project the state would be better for it, as businesses owners will relocate from other parts of the country to Bayelsa.

He noted that the governor’s giant strides are not limited to electricity alone, but in all facets of his ‘ASSURED Prosperity’ administration.

According to him: ‘The environmentalists came to do an environmental assessment, of this place this January and it was bushy and swampy , but today the story is clear.

‘Between January this year and now you can see a big difference. The power governor promised is fast becoming a reality and he has promised that before the end of this year there will be power.

‘Not just power, there will be 24 hours of uninterrupted electricity in Bayelsa and it is going to have a multiplier effects. Multitudes of people will come into Bayelsa State.

‘Beyond that businesses will boom, everyone will want to relocate where there is power, so Bayelsa people will troop in from neighboring states back to the state.

‘Hospitality businesses will boom, there will be improvement based on social life and all that, so as for me we must continue to thank Gov. Diri, whom God is using to do miracles.

‘Just a few days ago the governor shocked the people with two new aircrafts that the government procured, as for me we must celebrate the man who God gave us,’ he said.

Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Center, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, hosted Lagos’ largest Singles Conference, drawing more than 8,000 people to the church’s headquarters.

The event, titled ‘Singles Prayers and Connect Conference,’ focused on faith, relationships, and personal growth. It was a powerful gathering where many experienced emotional healing, spiritual breakthroughs, and a renewed sense of purpose for their future. Pastor Bolaji said, ‘Our vision at Harvesters is to change lives. One key area is helping young adults who are trusting God for marriage breakthroughs. Singles are part of God’s plan, and tonight, destinies were realigned.’

Participants also had opportunities to connect and build friendships, reflecting the church’s commitment to creating a supportive environment where singles can grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially.

One attendee shared, ‘I’m so glad I came. I felt God’s presence strongly and left with peace and hope.

I can’t wait to return and share my testimony.’

The conference once again highlighted Harvesters’ mission to inspire faith, transformation, and community among young adults.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to a leading Nigerian businesswoman Hajia Bola Shagaya, on her 66th birthday.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) Bayo Onanuga, says: ‘The President celebrates Hajia Shagaya as a distinguished Nigerian whose vision, enterprise, and leadership have advanced the private sector and contributed to national development. ‘He commends her dedication to philanthropy and women’s empowerment, values that continue to inspire a new generation of Nigerians.

‘President Tinubu wishes her many years of good health and continued service to the nation.’

Shagaya, born 10 October 1959, is a prominent Nigerian businesswoman and fashion connoisseur. Widely recognised as one of the wealthiest women in Africa, she is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bolmus Group International, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning real estate, oil and gas, banking, and photography.