Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Federal Government yesterday launched an online discount shopping platform for serving military personnel, veterans and their families.

It is part of measures to ease financial pressures and strengthen the welfare of members of the Armed Forces.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who launched the Armed Forces of Nigeria Personnel Online Discount Shop in Abuja, said the initiative would give beneficiaries convenient access to essential goods at discounted prices.

Akume said the welfare of military personnel could not be limited to providing operational equipment and capabilities, stressing that the resilience and effectiveness of the Armed Forces also depended on the well-being of troops and their families.

He described the platform as a significant addition to the Federal Government’s broader welfare framework for military personnel, particularly at a time when reducing household costs and improving access to essential goods remained important to families.

According to a statement issued by the Head of the Press and Public Relations Department of the OSGF, Chris Ugwuegbulam, Akume said a motivated and resilient Armed Forces is sustained by the confidence of personnel that the government places a premium on their welfare and that of their families.

The SGF commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General O.O. Oluyede, Defence Headquarters and other stakeholders involved in developing the initiative, saying the scheme demonstrated the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of those responsible for defending the country.

The online discount shop is being implemented through the Konga digital platform in partnership with Zinox Group, allowing eligible military personnel, veterans and their families to access discounted products electronically.

Akume said the arrangement illustrated how digital technology and strategic partnerships with the private sector could be deployed to deliver practical benefits to Nigerians who had dedicated themselves to national service and security.

He particularly welcomed the decision to extend the scheme to military veterans and their families, saying those who had served the country deserved continued recognition and support after leaving active service.

Earlier at the event, Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide the framework for implementing and sustaining the initiative.

Akume said the agreement represented an example of the benefits that could be achieved when public institutions and responsible private organisations combined their capabilities in pursuit of national objectives.

He, however, charged Defence Headquarters and other stakeholders to ensure transparency and reliability in the implementation of the programme, warning that its success would ultimately be determined by the actual benefits delivered to military personnel and veterans.

The SGF said the platform must remain responsive to beneficiaries’ needs, with the quality of service provided determining its credibility and long-term sustainability.

Akume also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the President’s unwavering support and commitment to the Armed Forces under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He encouraged serving personnel, veterans and other eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of the platform, saying the initiative was designed to translate the government’s commitment to military welfare into practical support for troops and their families.

The SGF thereafter formally launched the AFN Personnel Online Discount Shop, declaring it open for the benefit of serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Team Pride has secured the 2026 PUBG MOBILE National Championship (PMNC) title on September 13, claiming the $3,000 top prize and earning a spot to represent Nigeria at the PUBG MOBILE Global Open (PMGO) Africa stage.

The winning roster-comprising Oluwadamilola ‘Begho’ Oladele, Kwila Obadiah, Maude ‘Chico’ Usman, and Farid ‘Finish’ Mahri-outperformed runner-up Neon Outlaws and third-place Tribe Warriors. Begho was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

The championship received major corporate backing, with Infinix supplying the official tournament device-the GT 50 Pro-while Oraimo provided gaming accessories and itel awarded home air conditioners to the winning squad.

Alongside the tournament finals, PUBG MOBILE rolled out its Version 4.6 update featuring the Vampire Hunters theme and an Afro-pop partnership with Nigerian artist Magixx under the Be the one campaign.

Representing Infinix, Nosa Stephen Ekaghe said the sponsorship reflected the brand’s interest in supporting gaming and the needs of players.

Bella Ibrahim, Content Creation Manager at Oraimo, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting gamers with products and accessories suited to their lifestyles.

Also, itel’s ATL Marketing Manager, David Chuks Obikwame, presented air conditioners to Team Pride in recognition of its victory.

From September 24 to October 23, players can participate in the in-game Unlock Magixx Style event to earn exclusive rewards, including a custom Avatar Frame, Voice Pack, Lobby Music, and themed outfits.

PUBG MOBILE Version 4.6 is currently available as a free download on iOS and Android platforms.

There was celebration yesterday in Oke-Oyi community, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, as Federal Government launched 581 kilowatt of interconnected mini grid acceleration scheme (IMAS).

The solar power project will supply 24 hours electricity to Oke-Oyi and neighbouring communities.

Scores of elated villagers chanted ”President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term.”

The community said the project had renewed its confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government for rural development, adding that Oke-Oyi was not left behind.

The project, developed by Nayo Tropical Technologies Limited, with support from German Cooperation and European Union through GIZ, is designed to expand access to reliable electricity, while supporting economic activities and improving livelihoods at Oke-Oyi community, the Federal Government has said.

Chairman, Oke-Oyi community, Alhaji Oseni Elemoso, said: ‘Today is a day of joy for the people of Oke-Oyi community. We are honoured to welcome you all as we celebrate the inauguration of this 581 kilowatt interconnected mini-grid project implemented by Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

‘For many years, we have longed for reliable electricity to improve our lives and economic activities.

”This project has renewed our confidence in the commitment of the government and its partners to rural development and has shown that Oke-Oyi is not forgotten.”

The local government Chairman, Luqman Agbelere, says community members will now have access to electricity to grow their businesses.

Represented by Head, Department of Administration, Abdulkareem Kolapo, Agbelere said ‘the provision of reliable electricity remains an important driver of economic and social development.”

The Federal Government inaugurated the project through REA under the Rural Electrification Fund.

The project has a total installed capacity of 581kWp, comprising 1,336 solar panels and 84 batteries, with approximately 10 kilometres of distribution cables and transformers supporting the electricity distribution network.

The project serves a community with an estimated population of 13,000 people, with electricity connections extended to residential and productive users.

Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, said the inauguration reflected Federal Government’s commitment to expanding electricity access and ensuring that energy investments translated into improved livelihoods and economic opportunities.

Said he: ‘The purpose of electrification is ultimately to improve lives and create opportunities. What we are inaugurating today at Oke-Oyi is an investment in the productive capacity of the community. When electricity enables a welder to expand his business, a grain miller to operate more efficiently or a new enterprise to emerge, we are seeing the direct connection between energy access and economic development.’

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq welcomed the intervention and noted the importance of reliable electricity to economic activities and community development.

Represented by Speaker of the House of Assembly, Yakubu Salihu, the governor said: ‘For Kwara State, every intervention that expands reliable electricity access to our communities is an important step towards creating a more conducive environment for enterprise, employment and improved livelihoods.

”We appreciate the Federal Government, REA and all development and private-sector partners for this investment at Oke-Oyi and look forward to its continued contribution to the development of the community.’

The NNPC Limited/FIRST E and P Joint Venture (JV) has concluded the fourth medical and health outreach in Bayelsa State, bringing essential healthcare services closer to residents across its 11 KEFFESO host communities of Koluama 1, Koluama 2, Ezetu 1, Ezetu 2, Foropa, Fish Town, Ekeni, Sangana, Opu Okumbiri, Okumbiribeleu, and Oginibiri.

The outreach, which began on September 21, provided free medical consultations, laboratory testing, eye and dental screenings, eye surgery, among others.

It was organised, in partnership with the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (KHCDT) and supported by a team of doctors and other health practitioners.

Individuals identified during the outreach as requiring surgery for treatable eye conditions were enrolled in a dedicated eye surgery programme at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. They will be funded.

Acting Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Olanrewaju Igandan, represented by Advisor, Community Relations, Isaiah Ali, explained that the sustenance of this initiative to date clearly indicates the commitment of NNPC Limited and its partners to the well-being of the communities within its area of operation.

‘Healthcare is an important part of this responsibility because healthy communities are better positioned to participate in education, economic activities and other aspects of community development. Medical outreaches are an important part of our collective efforts to improve access to healthcare within our producing communities.

They provide an opportunity to bring essential medical services closer to our people, promote early detection of health conditions and strengthen awareness of healthy practices,’ Igandan said.

Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, FIRST E and P, Emmanuel Etomi, represented by the Head of Social Performance, FIRST E and P, Ayebatonye Benjamin-Basuo, said that the outreach forms part of the company’s broader commitment to improving the well-being of its host communities through sustained investments in healthcare, education and economic empowerment.

Etomi explained that the KEFFESO Medical Outreach, which has reached more than 10,000 people across 11 communities over the past four years, provides a vital avenue for residents of remote communities to access quality healthcare services. Through the initiative, beneficiaries receive preventive care, early diagnosis and treatment, helping to overcome barriers such as distance, transportation challenges, limited access to medical personnel and the high cost of specialist care, which can often delay or prevent timely medical attention.

In his address, the Director of Services, Ministry of Health, Bayelsa State, Dr. Ngowari Torunana, lauded the residents of the various communities for their peaceful co-existence with the company, noting that the Bayelsa State government remains committed to partnering with other stakeholders in delivering medical services to residents of those communities.

Also speaking on behalf of the Chairman, KHCDT, His Royal Highness, Theophilus Moses, its Vice Chairman, Dr. Henry Amaegberi, commended FIRST E and P for living true to its mandate by ensuring the well-being of its host communities and urged residents take advantage of the unique opportunity of free medical care provided by the joint venture partners.

Sharing her experience as a beneficiary of the KEFFESO outreach, Mrs. Christiana Ebiye expressed appreciation to FIRST E and P, noting that the programme provided an opportunity to access medical attention that might otherwise have been toodifficult or costly to obtain.

The Federal Government yesterday said the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu Administration were beginning to deliver greater stability, with the next phase focused on translating the gains into jobs, higher incomes and improved living standards.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the administration had entered a consolidation phase in which economic stability would be converted into sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

Akume spoke in Abuja at a world press conference to flag off activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.

The theme of this year’s celebration is: ‘From reforms to stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s renewed hope for shared prosperity.’

According to the SGF, the administration laid the foundation for a stronger economy through structural reforms introduced since 2023 and was now focused on ensuring that their benefits reach ordinary Nigerians.

He said: ‘The task before us today, as leaders and citizens, is consolidation. We must ensure that the gains from reform translate into better opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.

‘Every step is geared towards turning stability into growth, and growth into prosperity for all.’

Akume nnounced that President Tinubu had approved the development of a new National Threat Assessment and a five-year Defence Plan aimed at providing a coherent national security strategy.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the country was moving beyond the most difficult phase of economic reforms towards growth, production and shared prosperity.

Idris said the administration inherited significant structural and fiscal challenges in 2023 but chose to confront longstanding economic distortions rather than postpone difficult decisions.

‘Nigerians have borne real costs. Today, however, Nigeria is moving from reform and stabilisation towards growth, production and shared prosperity,’ he said.

According to him, Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.43 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 4.23 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

He also cited improvements in the country’s external position, foreign reserves, domestic refining capacity, investment and productive activity.

‘The next phase is to translate these gains into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians: more jobs, higher incomes, greater access to education and credit, lower costs and wider economic opportunities,’ Idris said.

He said government interventions in infrastructure, agriculture, education, consumer credit, digital skills, energy and enterprise were designed to promote domestic production and value addition.

‘The principle is simple: Nigeria must increasingly produce what it consumes, process what it extracts, and create opportunities from its abundant human and natural resources,’ he said.

Idris said economic progress must also be anchored on security, justice and the rule of law.

He acknowledged that security challenges remained but said government had increased investment in equipment, intelligence, personnel and inter-agency coordination.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the reforms were aimed at making deliberate policy choices that would create a larger and more inclusive economy.

‘We are not yet where we want to be. What is important is to identify what are the choices that we need to make so that we can go to where we want to be,’ Bagudu said.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said improved access to farmlands in areas previously affected by insecurity, alongside support for fertiliser and improved seeds, was contributing to increased agricultural production.

Kyari said about 70 per cent of areas that were previously affected by insecurity in parts of the country had become accessible to farmers.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, Akume highlighted the country’s survival of the Civil War and prolonged military rule and its uninterrupted constitutional democracy since 1999.

He said Nigeria’s diversity should be harnessed as a strength and urged citizens to remain united in pursuit of national development.

‘From reforms, we have built stability. From stability, let us now deepen growth and opportunity. And from growth, let us extend shared prosperity to every corner of Nigeria,’ Akume said.

Gaming agents and customers in the Southeast and Southsouth are to undergo capacity building on responsible gaming and player protection at a two-day programme in Owerri, Imo State, next month.

The programme, scheduled for October 14 and 15 at Imo Digital City Limited, is being organised by the Imo State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (ISLGA), in collaboration with Gamble Alert, an organisation focused on responsible gaming, gambling-harm prevention, research, counselling and stakeholder capacity development.

The Southeast and Southsouth Responsible Gaming Capacity Building Programme (SESSRG) is expected to bring together gaming agents, affiliates and other industry professionals who interact directly with players, as well as relevant regulatory stakeholders.

The organisers said the training would focus on strengthening participants’ understanding of responsible gaming, player protection and the identification and management of gambling-related risks.

Particular attention will be paid to retail gaming agents because of their direct and frequent interaction with players, they added.

According to Gamble Alert, agents occupy an important position in the responsible gaming chain because their conduct can influence how gaming products are accessed, marketed and experienced by consumers.

The organisation said the programme would equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to identify potential gambling-related risks and respond appropriately during their interactions with consumers.

It added that player protection should extend beyond encouraging individuals to gamble responsibly, stressing that professionals who operate at points of contact with players also need the knowledge and skills to support safer gaming practices.

Gamble Alert said responsible gaming should not be viewed solely as an awareness campaign or a regulatory requirement but as a practice that should be integrated across the gaming value chain.

The Owerri programme is also expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting responsible gaming, exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation among operators, agents and regulators in the two regions.

The initiative comes amid growing emphasis on consumer protection and harm prevention in Nigeria’s gaming sector, particularly among stakeholders who have direct contact with players.

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the face of the country’s security challenges and economic difficulties, assuring that better days are ahead.

The President said peace was gradually returning to the country and that his administration was taking steps to put Nigeria firmly on the path of development.

Tinubu spoke on Friday at the 66th Independence Anniversary Juma’at Service held at the National Mosque, Abuja.

He was represented at the ceremony by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

The President acknowledged that Nigeria had faced numerous challenges and missed opportunities over the years but said his administration was working to address the mistakes of the past.

He said, ‘Peace is coming back to this country. Development is coming back to this country. Things will get better as we progress in this democracy’.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to use the Independence anniversary to reflect on the country’s past while looking ahead to a more prosperous future.

He said the administration’s focus was to correct the cumulative mistakes and missed opportunities of previous years, stressing that the country was now on the right path.

According to him, both the government and citizens had made sacrifices to rebuild the nation and restore its prospects.

‘We should give this government more opportunity for it to come back and finish the good work,’ the President said.

The Independence prayer service was attended by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago; Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo; Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, and other dignitaries.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained the absence of Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from the national team camp ahead of today’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.

Okoye is not yet with the squad in Uyo after being granted permission to remain with his club to attend to club-related matters.

Chelle confirmed that Udinese made a request concerning the goalkeeper and he agreed to release him from the national team engagement.

‘Maduka Okoye is not here. His club asked me to allow him to do some club-related activities and I agreed,’ Chelle said. ‘He isn’t here now, so I have to manage the situation.’

Okoye’s absence leaves Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo as the two available goalkeepers in the Super Eagles camp for the opening Group L encounter against the Barea of Madagascar.

Nwabali has been Nigeria’s regular first-choice goalkeeper in recent international assignments before he became clueless in February this year. He recently re-joined his estranged club, Chippa United, while Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Okonkwo provides Chelle with another option between the posts.

Okonkwo made his senior international debut for Nigeria during the Unity Cup in London in May and will be hoping for another opportunity if called upon.

The Super Eagles will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, today as they begin their quest for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.

With co-hosts Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the tournament, Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are effectively competing for the other qualification ticket available from Group L.

The Federal Government is working to link the nation’s seaports to the hinterland to boost economic growth through improved transportation logistics.

Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola announced this yesterday at this year’s edition of Transportation Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (TCAN) summit.

The minister, who was represented by the Director of Inland Transport Services at the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), Mr. Paul Garnuwa, noted that transportation logistics determines how efficiently goods move from production to consumption and how effectively Nigeria connects to regional and global markets.

The cost, speed, reliability, and predictability of that movement, he said, ‘have direct implications for investment, production, trade and employment’.

Oyetola said one of the most significant steps in this direction ‘is the comprehensive modernisation of Nigeria’s seaports’.

He added: ‘With the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the ministry is set to commence the country’s most ambitious seaport modernisation programme in more than five decades.

‘For the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, this means that the performance of our ports and waterways cannot be considered in isolation. They are important components of the wider transport and logistics chain, which also includes roads, rail, inland waterways, warehouses, and distribution networks.’

The minister said the programme ‘covers Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos, Onne Port, Rivers Port, Calabar Port, and Warri Port’.

Explaining how the programme would take shape, Oyetola said: ‘It involves the reconstruction of quay walls, deepening of channels to accommodate larger vessels, replacement of obsolete cargo-handling equipment and further digitalisation of terminal and gate operations.

‘The objective is to increase capacity, reduce vessel and cargo-handling delays, lower unit logistics costs and ensure that our principal maritime gateways remain fit for the requirements of modern international trade.’

He stressed that the programme ‘is particularly important because port efficiency affects the entire logistics chain’.

According to him, a delay at the port does not remain at the port.

‘It affects manufacturers waiting for inputs, exporters waiting for vessels, transport operators, distributors and, ultimately, consumers.

‘The progress recorded at our ports is already reflected in independent international benchmarking. The 2025 Container Port Performance Index, produced by the World Bank and S and P Global Market Intelligence, ranked Tin Can Island Port as the 10th and Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, as the 12th among the world’s 20 most improved container ports between 2020 and 2025. The index measures port performance principally through vessel time in port and provides a data-based assessment of operational efficiency.’

This recognition, the minister noted, ‘is encouraging, but it also reinforces the need to sustain the reforms’.

He said: ‘Our objective is to deliver shorter turnaround times, more predictable cargo movement and a more competitive trading environment.’

Oyetola stated that another important development ‘has been the removal of the United States Coast Guard’s Conditions of Entry on vessels arriving from Nigeria. For 12 years, Nigerian ports were subject to additional security-related requirements by the United States. ‘Following sustained efforts to strengthen compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, improve access controls and address identified security gaps, the United States Coast Guard, in August 2026, announced the removal of the Conditions of Entry for vessels arriving from Nigeria. This is significant for our logistics and trade objectives. It strengthens confidence in Nigeria’s port-security arrangements and removes additional procedures that had affected vessels travelling from Nigerian ports to the United States (U.S.A).’

He stressed that Nigeria ‘cannot depend indefinitely on a limited number of existing port corridors to serve a growing economy. The Ministry is therefore working with sub-national governments and private-sector partners to advance deep seaport developments in several coastal states, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ogun, Ondo, and Rivers. The purpose is to expand port capacity, create additional maritime and logistics corridors, reduce pressure on existing gateways and bring economic activities closer to different parts of our coastline.’

Oyetola said the projects ‘also demonstrate the importance of collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments, and private investors’. The Federal Government’s role includes providing the necessary regulatory framework, facilitating inter-agency coordination and supporting viable public-private partnership structures.

‘The regulatory environment is equally important to efficient logistics. Infrastructure without predictable regulation will not deliver its full economic value. This is why the enactment of the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act 2026 is an important reform. With the establishment of NPERA as the statutory economic regulator for the ports, Nigeria now has a permanent institutional framework for regulating tariffs and charges, service standards, competition and the protection of port users. The reform provides clearer rules for terminal operators, shipping lines and logistics service providers, while providing port users with a more structured framework for addressing commercial and regulatory issues.’

If Nigeria is to reduce the cost of moving goods, the minister stressed, ‘we must improve infrastructure’.

He added: ‘If we are to improve infrastructure, we must also improve regulation, security, technology, and coordination across the transport system. We must equally strengthen the links between the seaports and the hinterland. The efficiency of a port is ultimately determined by how quickly cargo can leave the port and reach its destination.’

Nigeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo today, knowing there is little room for error in Group L. With co-hosts Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the finals, the Super Eagles, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are effectively battling for the remaining ticket, writes TUNDE LIADI

Nigeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar today in Uyo, knowing there is very little room for error in Group L.

With co-hosts Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the finals, the Super Eagles, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau are effectively battling for the single remaining qualification ticket. Coach Eric Chelle’s men must negotiate this opener without injured star striker Victor Osimhen, placing greater responsibility on Nigeria’s other attacking options.

Madagascar’s famous 2-0 victory over Nigeria at AFCON 2019 serves as a clear reminder that the Barea cannot be taken lightly. For the Super Eagles, securing a home win provides the ideal platform before Tuesday’s away trip to Guinea-Bissau.

The match takes place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with kick-off fixed for 5pm Nigerian time. Ordinarily, the opening game of a qualifying series allows some margin for recovery, but the unique dynamics of Group L change that dynamic completely. For Chelle’s side, securing three points at home represents much more than a positive beginning, especially with another fixture scheduled just four days later.

Nigeria enter this continental campaign still dealing with the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the team has remained competitive at the AFCON level in recent years, reaching the final of the 2023 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire and finishing third behind Senegal and Morocco at the 2025 edition. Consequently, qualification for 2027 is regarded as a basic requirement. Chelle’s primary task is to ensure Nigeria establish immediate control of the group rather than leaving themselves chasing results later in the campaign.

Madagascar present an opponent Nigeria cannot afford to underestimate. The Barea famously defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, which remains their only victory in five head-to-head meetings between the two nations, alongside three Nigerian victories and one draw. Prior to that setback, Nigeria recorded a 1-0 win in 2001, followed by 2-0 victories in 2010 and 2011. Seven years after the Egyptian shock, the teams meet once again with critical qualifying points on the line.

The major tactical talking point for Nigeria is the absence of Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who was initially named in the squad but failed to recover from a muscle injury. Taiwo Awoniyi was called up as a replacement. Despite Osimhen’s absence, Chelle has plenty of attacking power available. Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, and George Ilenikhena offer distinct focal points through the middle, while Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze provide established quality on the wings. Ilenikhena is among those hoping to make his senior international debut, alongside potential debuts for Isaac James and Moses Usor.

Without Osimhen acting as the central target man, Nigeria’s attacking dynamics will likely shift toward collective creativity. Ademola Lookman’s form will be vital, while Alex Iwobi’s distribution from midfield will be crucial for breaking down Madagascar’s structure.

Defensively, Ola Aina returns to strengthen the squad after a lengthy absence. With Zaidu Sanusi unavailable, Bruno Onyemaechi is expected to operate on the left, alongside Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi in central defense. In goal, Stanley Nwabali remains a strong candidate to start despite this being his first call-up of the year. The midfield offers ample depth with Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Iwobi, giving Chelle tactical flexibility depending on Madagascar’s defensive setup. Nigeria expect to dominate possession, meaning ball retention, patience, and wide play will be essential if Madagascar choose to sit deep.

Madagascar arrived in Uyo early in the week, giving head coach Corentin Martins adequate time to adjust to local conditions. While their recent form has been mixed-featuring victories over Kyrgyzstan, Equatorial Guinea, and Comoros alongside losses to Morocco and Mali-they possess enough experience to be dangerous. Key figures such as Marco Ilaimaharitra, Rayan Raveloson, Loïc Lapoussin, Warren Caddy, Thomas Fontaine, and Hakim Abdallah form the core of the visiting squad, with Raveloson posing a specific goal threat from midfield.

Madagascar’s most realistic route to a result involves frustrating Nigeria, keeping the match goalless for as long as possible, and exploiting open space on the counter-attack. An early Nigerian goal would break that strategy, whereas a scoreless stretch could increase pressure from the home crowd.

This opener represents a key test for Chelle as he balances squad rotation between today’s match and Tuesday’s contest in Guinea-Bissau. Ultimately, Nigeria possess superior individual quality, but the tight format of Group L means securing three points is the absolute priority over performance style.

POSSIBLE LINE UPS:

Nigeria: Stanley Nwabali; Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Moses Simon.

Madagascar: Geordan Dupire; Andy Pelmard, Thomas Fontaine, Rado Rabemanantsoa, Mathieu Acapandié; Marco Ilaimaharitra, Rayan Raveloson, Loïc Lapoussin; Warren Caddy, Hakim Abdallah, Arnaud Randrianantenaina.