Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Gernot Rohr, coach of the Cheetahs of Benin, and George Aluo, a prominent member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), have expressed their appreciation for FIFA’s recent ruling to deduct three points from South Africa. This decision has effectively intensified the competition for automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the race in Group C heats up.

FIFA cited a violation of regulations concerning player eligibility as the reason for the sanction, which stemmed from South Africa’s usage of Teboho Mokoena in a preliminary match against Lesotho on March 21, 2025. The original result, a 2-0 win for South Africa, was overturned and awarded as a 3-0 victory for Lesotho, resulting in South Africa not only losing three crucial points but also facing a fine of CHF 10,000, with Mokoena receiving a warning from FIFA.

‘Finally, FIFA has taken the decision we have been waiting for a long time. It’s a logical outcome that comes just before our last games, ‘ Rohr told NationSports moments after FIFA’s decision was made public.

With the points deduction, the former Super Eagles trainer noted that his team is now in a stronger position within the group but acknowledged the tough matches that lie ahead-one against Rwanda in Kigali and another against Nigeria in Uyo.

‘If I have a good calculator, we are mow the leader in Group C but with two difficult games to finish the qualifying competition . We have to go to Rwanda (Kigali) and Nigeria(Uyo).,’ the vastly travelled Rohr sais.

Aluo who doubles as the Chairman of the Nigeria national League (NNL), echoed Rohr’s sentiments, noting that the sanction opens up the competition for all teams in Group C. He views the three points taken from South Africa as a boost for Nigeria to push towards qualification.

‘The decision has made the group wide open,’ Aluo remarked, highlighting Rwanda’s potential as a dark horse in this race.

He went on to emphasize the importance of the upcoming match between Rwanda and Benin, suggesting that the outcomes of those games could dramatically alter the standings.

‘If Rwanda wins that match and we triumph over Lesotho, the dynamics of the competition will change completely. All four countries-Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, and Rwanda-are very much in the hunt for qualification, and I expect Rwanda to be competitive against South Africa if they manage to defeat Benin at home.’

Yet Rohr maintained that it would be foolhardy for anyone to doubt his history-seeking Cheetahs, adding they are at the ready for the upcoming deciding matches in October.

‘I know we still have a chance even against Rwanda and Nigeria,’ maintained the former Bayern Munich defender. ‘ I think the first three teams can finish as the first team in the group especially if South Africa did not win any of their next games with high score.’

He added: ‘The next game (away to Rwanda) will be very important for us. Even now, Nigeria has a chance because Zimbabwe can even shock South Africa . It is very interesting , very interesting. ‘

Indeed, as the qualifying campaign approaches its climax, the focus remains on the outcomes of each match, with tension and excitement building among fans and teams alike in anticipation of who will eventually secure the Group C automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

GROUP C: REMAINING MATCHES:

OCTOBER 12

Lesotho vs. Nigeria

Rwanda vs. Benin

Zimbabwe vs. South Africa

OCTOBER 14

Nigeria vs. Benin

South Africa vs. Rwanda

SAFA have responded to the news of Bafana Bafana being docked points by FIFA on Monday.

Bafana have been docked three points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on 21 March 2025.

The South African football governing body have acknowledged their error and apologised the supporters.

‘The South African Football Association (SAFA) acknowledges a ruling by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee which sanctioned the Association for erroneously fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho played on 21 March 2025,’ the statement read.

‘In terms of the decision, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee declared the match to have been forfeited by Bafana Bafana by the score of 3-0. The Association has also further been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000, while Mokoena has been issued with a warning.

‘As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments. The Association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.

‘Despite the outcome, the Association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign. The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead. We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign. Finally, we call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers.

‘Bafana Bafana will next face Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October 2025, followed by a clash against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on 14 October 2025. Both matches will kick off at 18h00.’

Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other stakeholders in the built environment, have called for mutual respect and cooperation between government enforcement officers and members of the public.

Speaking at the 2025 Stakeholders’ Engagement on Physical Planning, themed ‘Planning Permit: The Rebirth’, organized by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) on Friday, the Governor stressed that harassment or assault of enforcement officials on duty is counterproductive and detrimental to the orderly growth of Lagos.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Sam Egube, maintained that physical planning officers are carrying out statutory responsibilities in line with approved regulations and therefore deserve due courtesy and cooperation.

He cautioned residents against verbal or physical attacks on officials and urged aggrieved members of the public to channel complaints through established government platforms. ‘Civility, dialogue, and adherence to due process are the hallmarks of a functional society that seeks sustainable development,’ he said.

The governor further assured that the engagement reflected government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of both residents and officials in building a more resilient, well-planned Lagos.

In his goodwill message, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, emphasized that the administration is working tirelessly to bequeath a better Lagos to future generations.

He urged residents to uphold law and order, and treat government officials with the respect they deserve.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, explained that the forum was a follow-up to the 2024 Physical Planning Summit held at Eko Hotels and Suites, where stakeholders underscored the importance of public sensitization and engagement on physical planning.

Dr. Oluyinka assured that despite the frequent challenges faced by LASPPPA officials during enforcement, the government would not relent in ensuring that no physical development takes place in the state without necessary approvals.

Contributing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on eGIS and Planning Matters, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, represented by the Permanent Secretary for Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, commended the General Manager of LASPPPA, Kehinde Osinaike, and his team for their efforts.

He however lamented the poor attitude of some property owners and professionals toward planning laws, calling for a change in behavior.

‘Built professionals must discourage lawlessness by advising property owners appropriately and respecting their own professional boundaries,’ he said, urging the public not to view demolitions of illegal structures emotionally, but rather as actions taken in the collective interest of society.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Oba of Lagos, the Bajulaiye of Lagos, Chief Ayodele Oyekan, appealed for public support of government’s planning regulations.

He stressed that harassment of officers is unjust, considering they act strictly in line with the law. He encouraged aggrieved property owners to use complaint mechanisms or seek redress through the Lagos State House of Assembly, instead of resorting to self-help.

‘To live in Lagos, you must abide by the laws of the State,’ he emphasized.

Also speaking, former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Toyin Ayinde, urged the government to streamline the operations of multiple agencies dealing with property owners by creating a one-stop centre for physical development matters.

He also highlighted political interference as a major bottleneck limiting LASPPPA’s efficiency and called for its minimization or outright removal.

Media personality Teju Oyelakin, popularly known as Teju Babyface, has cautioned men against confessing infidelity to their spouses, warning that such disclosures could have catastrophic consequences.

In a video message, Teju argued that confessions are often driven by guilt rather than genuine honesty, adding that they may end up damaging relationships instead of mending them.

He said those who admit to cheating usually do so to ease their conscience or to trigger a reaction that could lead to the end of the relationship.

‘But the reality is, the truth is you are not being honest, no, you are being manipulative. If honesty were your greatest strength, then you would at least be honest with yourself as to why you want to confess. The reason you want to confess is not because you are honest,’ he said.

Teju Babyface added that confessing to a spouse about cheating serves no real benefit to them but rather serves the confessor’s interests.

‘The reason is that the weight of guilt, guilty conscience, is killing you, and you are looking to share it with somebody. You are looking for somebody else to bear the burden with you or you’re trying consciously or subconsciously to sabotage your relationship and you are hoping that by telling them, by telling your wife or your husband, your spouse, your partner, your significant other, you are hoping they will do exactly what most people do, that they will go up in flames and torpedo and grenade and scatter the relationship. That’s what you’re hoping for. In other words, there is no benefit to your spouse when you confess. All the benefits are yours’, he said.

TejuBabyface also distinguished between confession to God and confession to a human partner, stating that the biblical principle of confession and forgiveness applies to one’s relationship with God, not necessarily with human partners.

‘People will even quote the Bible to support the idea of confession. They will say that if we confess and repent, then our sins are forgiven. Excuse me, that is to God and from God, not to man. It is confession to God, not to man. Do not do it’, he said.

He encouraged individuals to consider the motivations behind their desire to confess and the potential consequences of their actions.

‘The first question you must ask yourself is this: what exactly are you trying to achieve with your confession? This is confessing that you want to go and do it. What is the objective? Ask yourself that question because people who confess manage to convince themselves that they are trying to come clean, that they are being honest’, he added.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate Kola has been handed a strict penalty for breaching the show’s confidentiality rules.

He was punished for disclosing details of a private conversation with Agent X on the red telephone, despite being warned not to share the content with fellow housemates.

According to Big Brother, Kola will not be allowed to speak until further notice and can only communicate using a writing pad during conversations.

The punishment was due to Kola’s decision to reveal some details of the conversation, which involved an offer of a luxury manicure and pedicure session worth N1 million, and he had turned down the offer.

Big Brother announced the punishment, stating that Kola must write down his thoughts and have his housemates read them aloud before responding.

Big Brother declared, ‘Kola, you discussed part of your conversation on the red telephone despite being warned that you weren’t to discuss it with any of your fellow housemates during the course of your stay in Big Brother’s house.

‘As punishment, you’re forbidden from speaking till further notice. For the duration of this punishment, you’re only to communicate by writing on the writing pad that Big Brother has provided, except when speaking to Big Brother.

‘Each time you’re involved in a conversation, you have to write on the writing pad, and the housemate you’re addressing must read your words aloud before responding, and that has to continue for the duration of the conversation’.

In the backdrop of the ongoing UNGA 80, prominent African leaders gathered at the World Trade Center in New York City on Friday for Africa Breakfast Convos (ABC), a high-profile official side event of the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

Hosted by global communications firm Allison Worldwide, in partnership with The King’s Trust Group, and African public relations company Black House Media (BHM), the breakfast event brought together executives from across Africa and the U.S. to discuss strategies for Africa-led innovation, investment, and sustainable development.

The event featured an exclusive fireside chat with Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, Chairman of Access Holdings, Chairman of Coronation Group, Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, and member of the Kings Trust Africa Advisory Board, who shared insights into Africa’s investment landscape, spotlighting opportunities to bridge African entrepreneurs with global capital.

‘Unlocking Africa’s youth potential, connecting entrepreneurs to global markets, and ensuring inclusive growth are not just aspirations – they are imperatives if Africa is to shape the 21st century,’ he stated.

Following the fireside, Claudine Moore, Managing Director, Africa, Allison Worldwide, who moderated the session with Aig-Imoukhuede, emphasised the importance of building platforms like ABC to amplify African innovation.

‘This is our third annual UNGA event and the second in The Africa Breakfast Conversation series. Our goal with all our events is to not only create the space for candid conversations but also a space for high-level connections that lead to action and impact. Our vision is that our events contribute to positioning Africa as a driver of global sustainable development,’ she said.

The discussions at the event highlighted Africa’s youthful population as a significant driver of future growth, with nearly 70 percent of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30. By 2030, one in five people globally will be African, underscoring the continent’s central role in shaping the world’s future.

A panel titled Generation Potential – Powering Africa’s Youth Through Nutrition, Skills, Access and Opportunity featured insights from Shalom Ndiku, Director of Policy, Food4Education; H.E. Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sierra Leone; Geoffrey Kasangaki, CEO, Asante Africa Foundation; Abeiku Greene, Outgoing Executive Director, Junior Achievement Ghana; and Ben Ovio, Chief Responsibility Executive, ENDIP International.

The panelists discussed how nutrition, education, and youth skills development can fuel Africa’s next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

Reflecting on the collaboration with Allison and BHM for this edition of the Africa Breakfast Conversation (ABC), The King’s Trust commented: ‘We are proud to support forums like ABC that put youth, innovation, and opportunity at the centre of Africa’s development agenda. Today was a chance for us to convene, to learn what we are doing right, but more importantly, to learn where we can do more to invest in Generation Potential.’

The second panel, Africa’s Role in the Future of Technology, Media, AI and Finance, featured Iyin Aboyeji, Founding Partner, Future Africa; Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and CEO, BHM; and Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director, News Central TV.

The session, moderated by Wendu Nwakanma, Vice President, Goldman Sachs, explored how Africa’s growing tech and creative ecosystems are shaping global industries, from fintech to artificial intelligence and media.

Speaking on the significance of the right investment in Africa, Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and CEO of BHM, said, ‘This gathering is an opportunity to have the right conversations about our continent – the opportunities and the challenges. We’re providing guests with a space where conversations can flow freely, turning ideas into impactful initiatives that foster sustainable growth across Africa.’

Throughout the event, speakers underscored the importance of cross-sector partnerships, diaspora engagement, and long-term investment in Africa’s growth. According to recent data from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), foreign direct investment flows to Africa stood at $50 billion in 2024, representing 3.7 percent of global FDI and reflecting continued confidence in the continent’s potential.

The Africa Breakfast Convos aligned with the UNGA 80s’ broader focus on global progress and sustainable development. As the event concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism about Africa’s future and its ability to lead in critical sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and youth-driven innovation – setting the stage for deeper collaboration and continued investment in the continent’s sustainable development.

Allison is a global integrated marketing and communications agency, with operations across 50 markets throughout the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa, dedicated to driving growth, innovation, and positive change for clients, colleagues, and communities. With a diverse range of expertise and a forward-looking mindset, Allison delivers game-changing results that make a lasting impact. Allison is owned by Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), one of the fastest growing and most influential marketing and communications networks in the world. Agency partners leverage Stagwell’s technology, data analytics, insights and strategic consulting solutions to drive measurable results and optimize return on marketing investment for more than 1,700 clients worldwide.

BHM is a media and communications services company, home to public relations and reputation management consultancy BlackHouse Media (UK and Nigeria); Pan African communications advisory firm, ID Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, etc); and marketing technology platform, Plaqad. BHM was named one of Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2023 and 2024 by the Financial Times.

The King’s Trust Group is a global network of support for young people, established by His Majesty King Charles III, our Royal Founding President. Our mission is to work for young people. Together with our partners, we empower young people to build the confidence, skills and experience they need to succeed in the world of work. We do this through programmes focused on Education, Employment and Enterprise. We are active in over 20 countries. Since 1976, we have supported over 1.3 million young people to change their lives for the better. ‘The King’s Trust Group’ includes The King’s Trust Group Company and its charitable subsidiaries – King’s Trust International, King’s Trust USA, King’s Trust Canada, King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand and King’s Trust Australia – plus The King’s Trust in the UK.

Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick and reached 60 Champions League goals as Real Madrid thrashed Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan.

The France captain slotted a penalty into the bottom corner early on after home goalkeeper Sherkhan Kalmurza came flying out of his area and took out Franco Mastantuono.

He doubled his tally in the 52nd minute when he latched on to Thibaut Courtois’ ball over the top and dinked it over Kalmurza.

In the 67th minute Valeri Gromyko appeared to be fouled by Dani Ceballos, with a penalty awarded to Kairat, but the decision was overturned after a VAR check.

Despite missing an excellent chance to seal his hat-trick when he sent the ball wide with the goal gaping, Mbappe did eventually finish from close range to complete his treble.

Substitutes Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz both scored to complete the rout in the closing stages.

Camavinga headed home from close range and Diaz slotted into the bottom corner from Gonzalo Garcia’s pass as Kairat fell to their heaviest defeat in European competition.

It was a much-needed win for Xabi Alonso’s side after a 5-2 humbling by city rivals Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Saturday.

Mbappe’s goals were his 58th, 59th and 60th in the Champions League and meant he overtook former Bayern Munich striker Thomas Muller to become the sixth highest scorer in the competition’s history.

The crisis in the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated with the resignation of the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo.

Igbabo’s exit came just 72 hours after the state congress that produced Hon. Dupe Aisida as the new chairman alongside other executive members in Akure.

In his resignation letter dated September 30, 2025, and addressed to the state chairman, Igbabo cited a hostile atmosphere at the PDP secretariat, which he said hindered him from discharging his duties effectively.

He also alleged deceit, compromise, and indiscipline within the party leadership, describing the environment as unconducive to productive work.

‘It is disheartening to know that the Secretariat has become hostile to the effective and efficient performance of my duties as the Director of Media and Publicity.

‘I note with pain, utter deceit, huge compromise, and gross indiscipline. There is no more sincerity of purpose, and under such circumstances, I do not want to be labelled as an incompetent official. Staying in such an unproductive environment amounts to a precious waste of time and energy.

‘I therefore resign my appointment as the Director of Media and Publicity, PDP Ondo State, with immediate effect,’ the letter read in part.

Igbabo took over the position in April 2025 following the resignation of Mr. Kennedy Peretie.

Peretie, in his own resignation letter, had declared that the PDP in Ondo State had moved from ‘the intensive care unit to the morgue,’ alleging that the party leaders had no genuine intention to win elections but were only concerned with trading the party’s platform every election year.

The back-to-back resignations of the party’s spokespersons have highlighted the deepening cracks within the opposition PDP in the state, raising concerns over its preparedness for future elections.

It will be a nostalgic homecoming for members of Bishop Howells Memorial Grammar School Old Students Association, as the school is set to mark a historic milestone of its 45th anniversary in grand style.

Over the years, the school has a storied history of academic excellence and notable alumni.

According to the President, Mr Afinah Sadiq, there will be lots of thrilling moments, which will create avenues and opportunities for all to reunite, reconnect, network, relive the past, and create a platform to meet and channel a greater path for the school.

The progamme will begin on Thursday, October 2, 2025, with a novelty football match at 10:00 am at the school premises.

The climax of the anniversary festivities will occur on Friday, October 3, with a special thanksgiving service of song to be held at the school hall by 9:00 am prompt; A medical outreach for Howellians will also hold by 10:00 am; a Reunion and Networking event around 12:00 pm; Entertainment and Refreshment by 1:00 pm.

The celebration promises to honor the past while inspiring future generations of Nigerians to uphold the school’s distinguished tradition of excellence, just as the school continues to thrive as a beacon of learning, leadership, and service in Nigeria.

‘We call on all old students to come around, let’s celebrate the school’s 45 years of excellence. Please join us as we commemorate this significant milestone and look forward to a brighter future for Bishop Howells Memorial Grammar School.’ Afinah added.