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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the appointment of Mazi Dr. Ezenwa Onyirimba as leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda in Enugu State, with a strategic focus on the 2027 general elections.

According to Dr. Onyirimba, the appointment was ratified through the office of the party’s National Youth Leader, Hon. Dr. Dayo Israel.

The new assignment mandates Onyirimba to mobilise grassroots support for the APC and advance the national development agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Party sources described Onyirimba as a seasoned mobiliser with a strong record of political strategy and youth engagement.

Before his latest appointment, Onyirimba served as Director-General of the APC Youth and Student Council and was a key member of the Stakeholders Relations Directorate under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu in the Presidential Campaign Council.

In his new capacity, Onyirimba is expected to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda deep into the grassroots of Enugu State and consolidate the party’s presence across local communities.

The party expressed confidence that his experience in political organisation and stakeholder engagement would help galvanise support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid both in Enugu State and across the country.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed that its greatest asset lies not only in infrastructure and technology but in its people, who drive the nation’s maritime growth.

Its Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, stated this yesterday, during the maiden edition of the National Mentoring Day celebration held at the Authority’s headquarters in Lagos.

Represented by the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Vivian Richard-Edet, Dr. Dantsoho said the event marked a significant milestone in the Authority’s commitment to nurturing future leaders, promoting knowledge transfer, and entrenching a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

‘This occasion marks an important milestone in our commitment to nurturing future leaders, promoting knowledge transfer, and institutionalising a culture of continuous learning and professional development,’ he said.

He added that while NPA continues to invest in world-class infrastructure and advanced port technology, its most valuable strength remains its workforce.

‘As an organisation at the heart of Nigeria’s maritime economy, we recognise that our true strength lies not only in infrastructure and technology but, more importantly, in our people,’ he emphasised.

Dantsoho also applauded the contributions of young professionals serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the NPA, describing them as the next generation of innovators and change agents who will shape the future of the maritime industry and Nigeria’s economy at large.

‘The young professionals serving here under the NYSC are not just temporary participants; you represent the next wave of innovators, administrators, and change agents who will shape the future of the maritime sector and, by extension, our national economy,’ he said.

Established in 2014 and inaugurated in London in 2016, National Mentoring Day is celebrated globally on October 27 each year. The observance encourages individuals and organisations to participate in mentoring, ensuring equal opportunities for people to realise their potential.

The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10), which seeks to reduce inequalities by promoting inclusion and breaking down barriers through mentorship.

Losing a loved one is hard enough but dealing with paperwork shouldn’t make it harder.

This is why understanding who a Next-of-Kin (NOK) is and how to complete verification is so important. PTAD’s verification process ensures pension benefits go directly to the rightful person without stress.

In this report, PTAD explains everything you need to know about NOK verification, the documents required, and how to handle special cases like being abroad or unfit to travel.

Who is a Next of Kin (NOK)?

A Next-of-Kin (NOK) is the individual chosen by the principal to inherit his or her entitlement in the event of his/her death. The NOK could be the child, wife, brother, parent, friend or any relation of the deceased, selected by the deceased while he/she was alive.

If there are more than one NOK, do we all need to be present for verification?

Yes. You all need to be present as NOKs. Verification can only be successful and recognised when all NOKs are present in compliance to the will of the deceased pensioner.

What are the documents needed for NOK verification?

Depending on the department, documents required for verification of NOKs varies. Here is the list of documents required; Letter/Gazette of 1st appointment/Letter of Enlistment; Letter/Gazette of 1st Confirmation of Appointment; Letter/Gazette of Last promotion; Approved Letter of Retirement/Disengagement.; Severance Pay Slip (Disengaged Retirees Only); Evidence of payment of Gratuity; Computation Sheet stamped and signed by the State Auditor General ( for State pensioners with Federal Shares only); and Death Certificate of the Deceased from a Government recognised hospital or National Population Commission.

Others are Letter of Administration from a Federal High Court; Birth Certificate of NOK; Letter of Introduction from MDA (Death in active service); Record of Service; NOK Identity card (Driving Licence, Int’l Passport, National ID Card or Voters Registration Card); Letter of Introduction from the Command Headquarters (Police); Letter of Introduction from the Association of War Affected Police Officers (AWARPO).; Letter of Amnesty from the Police Service Commission (Police); Joint Account of NOKs(Duly Stamped/Signed); Marriage Certificate (For Spouses); Duly signed and stamped NUBAN Joint Bank Account Statement of the NOK (s) with bank logo; Stamped Bank Verification Number (BVN) Slip print out of the NOKs; One colored Passport Photograph for each NOKs; Duly signed and stamped NUBAN Bank Account Statement of the deceased from retirement till date; Birth certificates/sworn affidavit of the NOKs; Evidence of change of name where applicable); and Evidence of Transfer of Service where applicable).

I am not in Nigeria at the moment and I missed the verification exercise that was previously conducted. My monthly pension has been stopped. What do I do?

You can go to the nearest Nigerian Embassy or High Commission to you, obtain an ‘I am alive’ Certificate, attach your resident permit and data page of your international passport.

Also attach all relevant career progression documents and forward to the Directorate through a third party or email to [email protected] or [email protected]. Consequent upon a successful validation, your monthly pension will be restored pending when you make effort to come into the country for verification.

Customs, Immigration and Prisons, as well as Parastatal pensioners are treated every Tuesday; Civil Service Pensioners are treated every Wednesday while Police pensioners and Parastatal pensioners are treated every Thursday However, in light of the COVID 19 pandemic, verification is strictly by invitation. Pensioners must send their documents to [email protected] for review before they are invited for verification

Do I have to submit all my documents when I have a complaint even after I have been verified?

Once a pensioner is verified, the submission of documents is no longer a requirement for forwarding of complaints. It is only the verification slip and statement of account (six months) before the period of complaint that will be required.

Customs, Immigration and Prisons, as well as Parastatal pensioners are treated every Tuesday; Civil Service Pensioners are treated every Wednesday while Police pensioners and Parastatal pensioners are treated every Thursday. However, in light of the COVID 19 pandemic, verification is strictly by invitation. Pensioners must send their documents to [email protected] for review before they are invited for verification

I am not living close to any of your Zonal offices. I am frail and do not have the means to travel. How do I get verified? Is there any other medium that I can use to send in my complaints?

The pensioner can still be verified. He or she should send in the required documents with a full sized photograph, complete contact details, career documents and a medical report ascertaining conditions which are against travels to confirm inability to travel to any of our Zonal offices that is close to him/her through a third party, with a request for Mobile Verification. Once the documents are reviewed and found acceptable, a team of mobile verification officers will be sent to verify him or her.

My spouse is bedridden and cannot attend the verification exercise. How can he/she be verified?

You are required to bring documents with a full sized photograph, complete contact details, career documents and a medical report ascertaining conditions, towards being verified and subsequent enrolment for Monthly Pension (MP). You should arrange all the documents stated and go to the nearest Zonal Office close to you and inform the Team Lead. He will make arrangement for your husband or wife to be verified at home.

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has reassured residents that no part of the state will be left undeveloped.

He promised that ongoing infrastructure upgrade will spread to all communities across the three Senatorial districts.

The government, according to a statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, is simultaneously working on four major highways in the Ifo, Sango Ota and Idiroko axis of the state.

He dismissed as mischief the claim in certain quarters that the government had left some bad portions on other roads unattended to, saying that the administration has plans to spread development as dividends of democracy to all parts, including the roads in Lafenwa-Itele Ayetoro areas of the state.

The special adviser noted that the 140-kilometer Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway is being fixed by the state government despited being a federal road.

He added that the, Sango- Ido Iroko, also a Federal Government road,is under construction by the state government.

He added that the government is attending to the Sango-Idiroko Highway, while it had completed about 22 kilometres between Ijoko, Agbado and Alagbole road

‘The area being mostly complained about -the Ota-Itele-Lafenwa stretch, which is about 24 kilometres – had been incorporated into the 2026 budget long before social media hoopla’ Akinmade clarified in the statement

The decision, he said, was a confirmation of Governor Abiodun’s determination to spread even development to all books and crannies of the state as fast as he is allowed to do by time and resources.

Akinmade further said the underlisted roads have been completed in Ifo- Ado Odo-Ota axis of the State.

1. Ikorita Meta, Adenrele/Olose Titus Vespa Road (3.1km)

2. Old Bank Road-Orita Meta – Coker Junction, Olumo Spur Road (1km).

3. Olusegun Osoba, Toyin, Agbado Road(2.4km).

4. Reconstruction of Sango, Ota- Oke Aro, Ojodu Abiodun Road, Lagos end (Yakoyo to Mr. Biggs) Phase 6(1.6km).

5. Reconstruction of Sango Ota, Oke Aro, Ojodu Abiodun Road (Sango Roundabout to Ijoko bridge) phase 1, (8.5km)

6. Akute, Denro, Ishasi Road (4.8km).

7. Alhaji Kosoko Street, Ojodu Abiodun (Sectional Rehabilitation,Resurfacing (1km)

8. Ajulo-Akute Road (3km).

9. Hercules-Giwa Road (1.3km).

10. Alagbole-Ajulo Road (1.7km).

11. Akute bridge- Oke Aro bridge)9.2km).

12. Atan – Lusada- Marogbo Toll Road (19.2km).

13. Lanfenwa – Osi, Ikola Road (7km).

14. Reconstruction of Bible College, Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government (3.89km).

He said: ‘While recognizing the rights of the good people of Ogun State to continue to demand for the dividends of democracy, the government warned the public to be wary of the antics of opposition politicians and their quest to call a dog a bad name in other to hang it.

‘In its determination to run a transparent and people-driven government, the Dapo Abiodun led administration will never fail to respond to public scrutiny. However, we are not unaware of the ongoing move by political detractors to tarnish the image of the government by whipping up unnecessary incitements.

‘The road is in question, like many others in Sango-Ota axis, had been in that deplorable state for many years before the coming of Governor Abiodun. They are part of the huge infrastructure deficit inherited by this administration in 2019.

‘Aside from the now trending Ota-Itele-Lafenwa road, other very important roads, including Sango-Ijoko-Agbado-Oke Aro-Lambe-Akute road; Sango Ota-Papalanto-Abeokuta road and Sango-Idiroko road were in terrible states of disrepair when Governor Abiodun took office.

‘Today, however, the story is different, as can be attested to by the good people of the area who daily pour prayers and appreciation messages on the current government in the state.

‘The Dapo Abiodun administration, rising up to the challenges posed by the huge road deficit in the axis, and moved by the cries of the people, embarked on a massive reconstruction of three out of the four major roads in the axis, almost at the same time. The remaining one, which is the now trending Ota-Itele-Lafenwa, is covered by the 2026 budget.

‘The Sango-Ijoko-Agbado-Oke Aro-Lambe-Akute road, which is about 30km; and 140km Sango Ota-Papalanto-Abeokuta road; as well as Sango-Idiroko road that stand at 63km, have all been turned into massive constructions sites where not less than 50 per cent progresses have been made.

‘But for the rains, work would have moved on at a much higher pace. Governor Abiodun has never left anyone in doubt of his determination to work assiduously till the very last minute of his tenure. The good people of Ogun State should be rest assured that the ongoing widespread development that is sweeping across the state will not exclude any part of the state.

‘At a time when our dear state is in the news for numerous never-seen-before feats, including a world class airport, a global standard Sports Complex, the largest cement factory in West Africa, and many others, we must not lose sight of the many reasons to be proud of our home state due to the antics of a few naysayers.’

Lagos nightlife is about to come alive again as popular entertainer Godillac gears up to headline the much-anticipated ‘Vibes on Vibes (VOV)’ Block Party, holding on Thursday, October 30, at Del Lagos, Isheri-Idimu, Lagos.

The event, organized by Del Lagos in conjunction with Evergreen Entertainment and Olumix Entertainment, promises a night of pure vibes, pulsating music, and electrifying performances from the headliner, guest artistes, DJs and hypemen.

Billed as one of the biggest block parties to hit the Alimosho this season, VOV with Godillac will feature thrilling stage moments, special appearances, and themed performances tagged ‘Gorilla and White Strippers’- designed to add a wild, dramatic flair to the night’s entertainment.

According to the organizers, the event aims to create a convergence of music lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, and young trendsetters for an unforgettable experience.

Also speaking ahead of the event, the headliner, Godillac, said the show is designed to give fans an elevated experience of his artistry and the Lagos nightlife scene.

‘Vibes on Vibes is not just another party,’ Godillac said. ‘It’s a movement. We’re bringing raw energy, great music, and a unique Lagos flavour that connects with the streets and the culture. I can’t wait to share that moment with everyone who pulls up.’

Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Employers Federation has called on Federal Government to realign its reforms to avoid stifling private sector’s growth.

The federation raised concerns about the country’s business environment, calling for action to address rising energy costs, multiple taxation and weak infrastructure that continue to stifle growth in the industrial sector.

Speaking at its 46th AGM in Lagos, President, Chief Devakumar Edwin, painted an economy struggling under inflationary and structural pressures, but praised the resilience of manufacturers who ‘innovate, diversify and adapt amid daunting challenges.’

Some reforms, he said, are tax/fiscal policy, monetary policy, trade policy, industrial revolution, aviation sector and immigration policy reforms.

‘The removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira were intended for reform. But these escalated energy and import costs, raising operational expenses in industries. Despite the headwinds, members adapted, optimising resource use and exploring regional export markets, ‘ Devakumar said.

According to him, the non-oil sector, which includes manufacturing grew by 3.96 percent in 2024, yet this growth did not translate into improved competitiveness due to high input costs, multiple taxation, and limited access to foreign exchange.

The CANMPEF President acknowledged the Federal Government’s recent efforts to stabilize the economy, including the suspension of the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) and the introduction of the Nigeria First policy to promote local content and import substitution.

He also commended the issuance of N1.1 trillion Sovereign Sukuk bonds for road projects but cautioned that infrastructure development must move from ‘policy to practice.’

He added that, ‘A ‘Nigeria First’ policy must be matched with ‘Nigeria’s Infrastructure First’ to succeed. Poor road networks, unreliable power supply, and multiple taxes continue to inflate production costs. These issues must be addressed if local industries are to thrive.’

Edwin outlined CANMPEF’s strategic priorities for 2025 and beyond, emphasizing aggressive advocacy on infrastructure, development of local value chains, and strengthening member support systems.

‘The operationalization of the Dangote Refinery is a milestone. But we must build linkages that connect raw material producers to end-users for a resilient, self-sufficient industry.

‘Our vision is clear, to position the chemical and non-metallic industry as a pillar of Nigeria’s industrial renaissance,’ he declared.

Edwin further urged the Federal Government to harmonize regulatory functions, reduce energy costs, and prioritize industrial infrastructure.

The Federation also called on policymakers to partner more closely with industry groups in crafting policies that encourage investment, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing competitiveness.

In his own words, CANMPEF Executive Secretary, Femi Oke, presented a detailed report that described 2024 as ‘a year of perfect storms’ for manufacturers.

He cited the combined effect of global trade tensions, the aggressive monetary tightening by the Central Bank, the lingering fuel subsidy removal, and the 230.8 per cent electricity tariff hike as critical factors that worsened production costs and squeezed profit margins.

‘In April 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission increased tariffs for Band A customers from N68 to N225 per kilowatt-hour. For an industry already battling fuel shortages and weak infrastructure, this was devastating. Many manufacturers are now questioning their sustainability.’

Oke noted that recurring fuel scarcity, protests over economic hardship, and high borrowing costs created a stagflationary environment that eroded industrial productivity.

‘The Monetary Policy Rate rose to 27.5 percent by Q4 2024, one of the steepest increases in our history,’ he added. ‘This has made access to credit for working capital nearly impossible for many firms.’

Both executives lamented the burden of overlapping taxes and regulatory levies imposed by multiple federal and state agencies.

His words: ‘Our members face a web of duplicative mandates from agencies such as NESREA, SON, NAFDAC, and numerous Lagos State regulatory bodies.

‘There is an urgent need to harmonize these functions to reduce cost and confusion,’ he said.

The Federation, he added, has intensified advocacy through partnerships with the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and continued dialogue with government agencies.

‘We remain committed to promoting a predictable regulatory environment.

‘A stable policy framework is the foundation of industrial growth,’ he said.

Tragedy struck along the Otedola Bridge, inward Berger-Ojodu corridor of Lagos, on Wednesday, following a violent collision between two heavy-duty trucks, leaving one driver critically injured.

The incident, which occurred involved a 14-tyre Scania truck loaded with tonnes of wheat and a 6-tyre Iveco mini-truck carrying cartons of Gala sausage rolls.

LASTMA said both drivers were locked in a reckless struggle for the Right of Way (ROW) before the fatal impact occurred.

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), led by the Director of the Incident Management and Enforcement Unit, Mr. Akeem Adeoshun, swiftly arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations.

According to Adeoshun, the driver of the 14-tyre Scania truck sustained severe injuries to legs and head.

‘Our foremost duty in any rescue mission is the preservation of human life,’ he said, confirming that the victim was carefully extricated from the mangled vehicle with assistance from officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police Force before being rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.

He added that the magnitude of the crash necessitated the temporary closure of the expressway from Otedola Bridge inward Berger to allow for safe recovery operations. Rescue personnel and heavy-duty machinery were deployed to transload the truck’s contents and clear the wreckage. Normal traffic flow was restored after the successful evacuation.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the crash, describing it as ‘an avoidable tragedy that should never have transpired.’

He lamented the increasing recklessness among truck drivers who engage in dangerous manoeuvres and unlawful competition for the Right of Way, noting that such indiscipline continues to endanger lives and disrupt order on Lagos roads.

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ending Tuberculosis (TB) by 2030 through concrete actions, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda President Bola Tinubu.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the first lady’s Media Aide, Busola Kukoyi, during her message as the special guest of honour at the 39th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting held in Manila, Philippines.

The first lady explained to the gathering of over 180 participants from 47 countries that Nigeria is strengthening its commitment to reduce reliance on donor funding, to build resilient systems to ensure no setback on ending TB by 2030.

According to Mrs Tinubu, who is the Global and National Stop TB Champion, TB remains the biggest infectious killer disease and is a threat for all of us, being airborne.

She said the stainability of TB response cannot depend solely on external assistance but from within the nation through leadership, community engagement and strategic national coordination.

‘I am equally pleased to share that, despite the temporary shifts in support from some financing partners, Nigeria’s efforts in the fight against TB have remained strong.

‘Through steadfast leadership, community engagement, and strategic national coordination, we have ensured that the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB in 2025 did not increase..

‘This stands as a testament to the power of country ownership and to the unwavering commitment of Nigerians who continue to drive this response forward, even in the face of uncertainty.

‘Health for all begins in our communities, therefore, coming together for the Stop TB Partnership Board meetings remind us that the fight against tuberculosis is not finished, ‘ the first lady said.

She emphasised that TB was a threat that has claimed lives saying ‘it claims close to 1.3 million lives each year.

‘In Nigeria, we remain among the eight countries that account for two-thirds of global TB cases, with an estimated 479,000 Nigerians developing TB in 2023 and more than 150,000 deaths recorded.

‘These are not numbers, they are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters whose lives compel us to act with urgency and compassion,’ Mrs Tinubu said.

She commended the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its affiliate agencies, the Stop TB Partnership and others for their dedication and transparency in ensuring that all the money mobilided towards expanding access to testing, diagnosis, treatment and integrating TB services into primary healthcare are judiciously utilised.

In his remarks, the Stop TB Partnership Board Chair and Secretary of Health of Philippines Teodoro Herbosa pointed out that TB was more than a health concern but a development challenge for many nations.

‘It is critical fight, despite the remarkable progress made but we must be relentless and determined.

The Executive-Director of Stop TB Partnership, Dr Lucica Ditiu while giving the board report said that integrating data systems with governments of various country’s is vital to ending TB by 2030.

‘In five countries, in the last two months new facility for grants have been deployed and with it, 8,000 were screened, 5,000 were diagnosed and 3,000 enrolled in preventive treatment.’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate was in attendance at the meeting.

The 38th edition of the Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting was held in Abuja in 2024. (NAN)

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal (AVM)Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has said air power pressure would be on terrorists such that they won’t have the time to plan attacks.

Aneke said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) under his watch would keep the insurgents running without time to think or plan, assuring that he would lead a versatile, disciplined, and lethal service.

‘I use the word lethal in a professional sense because a man running from you will not have the time to plan to hurt you,’ he said.

A statement Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the CAS gave the assurances during his confirmation before the National Assembly.

Ejodame said the Air Chief stressed that his leadership would be anchored on training, technology, safety, and strategic innovation, emphasising that ‘true military power is not measured by brute force but by superior intellect and adaptability.’

‘The new CAS vowed to build an Air Force that responds swiftly, strikes precisely, and acts intelligently across all spectrums of military operations, a force defined not only by strength, but by precision, professionalism, and purpose,’ said the DOPRI.

Aneke’s confirmation followed his nomination by President Bola Tinubu in accordance with Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.With this confirmation, he legally succeeds Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, joining other Service Chiefs as a member of the Armed Forces Council.

Lawmakers at the confirmation session praised AVM Aneke’s depth of experience, operational leadership, and intellectual grounding.

They particularly commended his tenure as Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, where he improved strategic airlift capability, strengthened joint operations, and enhanced the

NAF’s responsiveness in complex security environments. His leadership in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations was also lauded for its critical role in shaping Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts and internal security outcomes.

Beyond the individual merit of his appointment, AVM Aneke’s confirmation carries constitutional and strategic significance. Constitutionally, it reinforces the principle of civilian oversight in military leadership and underscores the National Assembly’s role in ensuring transparency and democratic accountability within the Armed Forces. Strategically, it marks continuity and confidence in a leadership transition aimed at consolidating NAF’s modernisation drive, expanding airpower projection, and deepening civil-military trust.

A scholar and strategist, AVM Aneke is a graduate of the United States Air War College, Montgomery, Alabama, and holds multiple advanced degrees, including Master’s degrees in Strategic Studies, International Affairs and Diplomacy, and Political Economy and Development Studies. With more than 4,300 flight hours across several aircraft types, he stands among Nigeria’s most accomplished pilots and forward-looking airpower professionals.

The confirmation session was witnessed by key dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado. As he assumes office, AVM Aneke’s message to Nigerians is clear: the Nigerian Air Force under his command will be swift in action, precise in strike, and intelligent in execution, a force built not merely for power, but for purpose, protection, and progress.

Ivorian international Jonathan Bamba has stirred debate after omitting the Super Eagles from list of favourites for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Despite Nigeria finishing as runners-up in the last edition hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, the AFCON 2023 winner, failed to shortlist the three-time African champions among likely to lift the trophy.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Lille forward backed his country to perform strongly despite the fierce competition expected at the continental showpiece.

‘I have an excellent feeling about it. The team is good, with a rotating squad. Despite the injuries, the team remains competitive. It’s great,’ Bamba said.

‘I don’t know if we are favourites, but I have a good feeling about this CAN.

‘We know the favourites – Senegal with its top players, Morocco also present, and Algeria too. But in this kind of competition, you may be the favourite, but it’s the pitch that speaks,’ he noted.

Bamba’s omission of Nigeria – finalists just months ago – has sparked mixed reactions among fans, who believe the Super Eagles deserve recognition after their impressive run at the last edition where they finished with the silver medal.

With the tournament drawing closer, his comments could serve as added motivation for Nigeria as they seek redemption and a fourth continental title in Morocco.