Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has showered encomiums on his long-time associate and political ally, Lere Olayinka, on his birthday.

He described him as a ‘man of wisdom, loyalty, and relevance in a heartfelt birthday tribute.

In a voice note made public in a WhatsApp group on Wednesday, Fayose praised Olayinka’s journey from modest beginnings in Okemesi to becoming a respected public figure and household name in Nigerian politics and media.

‘To a great man, young, diligent, submissive, and determined, whom God has raised from Okemesi. A man of stature and relevance. A man of wisdom who knows his onions,’ Fayose said.

The former governor, known for his outspoken political style, described Olayinka as a loyal aide and dependable defender who has consistently stood tall in the face of challenges.

‘From humble beginnings, you have expanded your coast, protected your name, and risen to become a respected figure, all to the glory of God,’ he added. ‘There is no regret in working with you.’

Fayose also highlighted Olayinka’s role as a shining representative of the Osoko Political Family, acknowledging his service, resilience, and faithfulness.

‘Your name has become a household name in Nigeria, and there is no going back,’ he said. ‘This is only the beginning. The future is indeed bright.’

He concluded the message with a personal and symbolic endorsement, referring to Olayinka as ‘my boy, my son, my follower, my brother, my defender,’ and extended warm birthday wishes on behalf of the entire Osoko Political Family Worldwide.

‘Happy birthday and many happy returns,’ Fayose said.

Lere Olayinka currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He has long been a prominent media figure and is a political strategist, both in Ekiti State and across Nigeria’s political landscape.

Two people have been killed and four wounded outside a Manchester synagogue packed with worshippers on a Jewish holiday, United Kingdom (UK) police said, adding they shot dead the suspect in the ‘terrorist attack’.

Two other people were arrested after the car and stabbing attack, which occurred as Jewish communities around the world mark the Yom Kippur holiday, the holiest in the Jewish calendar.

Police said the two dead victims were Jewish, and declared the attack a ‘terrorist incident’ in the northwest English city.

They revealed they had ‘established the identity’ of the dead suspect, but it was too soon to release it publicly.

The attack also came days before the second anniversary of Hamas’ October 7, 2023 raids on Israel which sparked a fierce offensive in Gaza, inflaming passions in Britain.

‘It’s a very sad day. I live here for like seven years; I’ve seen nothing but kindness and love from the Jewish community. Very, very good people,’ said engineer Sam Martin, 41.

The European Union Electoral Observer Mission on Friday called for a timely electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The EU team, which is in Nigeria on a follow-up mission, said this was necessary to ensure voter confidence in the country’s electoral process.

The head of the follow-up EU Electoral Observer Mission, Barry Andrews, said the country needed to speed up the reforms, noting that only one out of the 23 recommendations to the Independent National Electoral Commission has been fully implemented.

The EFM found that while two recommendations have been partially implemented, eight are ongoing, three are too early to determine, and nine have not been implemented.

Andrews, who commended the legislature for the amendment so far in the Electoral Act 2025 and the ongoing constitutional review process, pointed out that time is running out.

He also stressed that the country’s resilience depends on reforms that citizens can believe in.

Andrews said, ‘So, the electoral observation mission final report in 2023 made 23 recommendations. 11 require legal changes and 12 are administrative in nature.

‘The mission has identified so far that one recommendation has been fully implemented. Two recommendations have been partially implemented.

Eight are ongoing. Nine are not yet implemented. And in the case of three recommendations, it is too early to determine.’

Andrew also called for political will to implement all the recommendations for the country to avoid falling behind.

‘So, our evaluation indicates that progress in implementing the recommendations has been modest, thus far, and is in serious danger of falling to critically low levels. Avoiding this outcome will require both political will from legislators and urgent coordinated administrative actions by relevant institutions. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the majority of these recommendations are still classified as ongoing.

‘What we find especially important is the strong alignment we see between the recommendations of INEC, civil society through the citizens’ memorandum, and those of the EU election observers at the EU election observation mission. Each of these three processes was conducted independently, and yet they point in the same direction. Of course, there are some differences, but the convergence is striking.

‘All three call for greater transparency for stronger accountability for electoral offences, for inclusive representation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, and for reform that would give INEC the clarity and independence that it needs. This is a powerful signal, we believe, because it shows that Nigerians themselves in institutions and in civil society are calling for the same changes that international observers have highlighted. It shows that there is a broad and shared understanding of what needs to be done to strengthen future elections.’

He stressed, ‘What is now needed is the political will to act on this consensus so that these reforms can be adopted in good time and fully implemented. Since the 2023 elections, important work has been undertaken. The Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025 and the constitutional review are ongoing, as you know, and both incorporate many of our recommendations.

‘However, it is clear that the clock is ticking. A particularly positive development has been the constructive cooperation between civil society and the legislature. Civil society organisations have contributed expertise and advocacy, and Parliament has created space for that consultation and engagement.

‘We are encouraged by this constructive cooperation between civil society and members of the legislature, particularly in shaping proposals for a stronger legal framework. However, while we welcome this legislative momentum, time is rapidly running out. Unless these reforms are fast-tracked and concluded soon, there is a real risk of repeating the serious shortcomings of 2023.

‘Political will, more than technical drafting, will determine whether these reforms succeed. We can’t emphasise enough that the country’s democratic strength depends on reforms that citizens can believe in, and we encourage all political actors to seize the current momentum, to deliver reforms that can safeguard transparency, inclusiveness, and credibility in the 2027 elections.’

He listed the six priority recommendations to include ‘The first priority concerns INEC. Public confidence in the Commission has remained low.

‘A new chairperson will be appointed later this year, and the way this appointment is handled with shape public perception of the institution at a critical time. A transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based appointment process will strengthen INEC as an institution and give citizens greater confidence that the Commission will improve its professionalism, neutrality, and independence. This moment offers a real opportunity for a powerful signal of commitment to a credible electoral process.

‘So I’d like to stress that this recommendation does not require a legal amendment; therefore, the process of appointing the new INEC chairperson could be made more inclusive and transparent by, for example, publishing the names of prospective candidates and inviting civil society organisations, professional bodies, and opposition to provide input. In this way, all electoral stakeholders could be involved. The second priority is transparency in the results process.

‘We all saw in 2023 how quickly confidence can be eroded when polling unit results are missing, uploaded with poor quality, or collation appears disorganised. These deficiencies created doubts that overshadowed the entire process. The 2025 Electoral Act Bill now introduces mandatory electronic transmission of results, alongside manual transmission.

This is a welcome legal clarity and an important step forward. But legislation alone is not enough. Citizens need to see the results themselves. That means the real-time publication of polling unit and collation centre results. Citizens must be able to compare both paper protocols and electronic records to follow and verify the process step by step. Such openness can rebuild confidence.

‘It can also send a very powerful signal of commitment to credible elections in the future. ‘The third priority is ensuring that women are better represented in elected institutions. At present, unfortunately, Nigeria is one of the lowest levels of women’s representation in the world, just over 4% in the National Assembly, which is not reflective of the strength, ability, and leadership that Nigerian women offer in public life.

‘We therefore welcome the reserved seats bill and the current public debate. If passed, it would represent a significant step forward toward a more inclusive political process, ensuring that decision-making bodies better reflect the country’s diversity. International experience shows that when women are present in greater numbers, democratic institutions benefit from broader perspectives, stronger accountability, and more responsive policy-making.

We hope this debate will move forward constructively and that progress will be made on this important issue. ‘Fourth priority, thank you for your patience, is accountability for electoral offences. Stakeholders across the spectrum told us that impunity for offences remains widespread.

Violence, intimidation, vote buying, and misuse of state resources are problems that have persisted for too long. Some steps have been taken; INEC has entered into cooperation agreements with the Nigeria Bar Association and anti-corruption agencies. These are welcome, but they are not enough.

‘Prosecutions remain very low, and justice delayed is just as denied. Establishing an independent electoral offences commission as envisaged in some of the constitutional proposals would be a major step forward and a clear signal that those who break the law cannot act with impunity, and that elections are not a contest without rules but a contest governed by law. Even if such a commission is not established, closer cooperation between INEC, EFCC, the police, and the judiciary would go a long way to addressing impunity.

‘The fifth priority is to remove ambiguities and inconsistencies in the legal framework. The constitutional review and the electoral bill will address many of these issues and do address these issues, and once again, we have seen constructive cooperation between Parliament and civil society, but timing is everything. INEC cannot operate on shifting ground; it needs a clear and stable legal framework well in advance of the elections, not only to draft its own regulations, but also to plan voter education to secure the necessary budget, which must be requested a year in advance.

‘If reforms are adopted too late, they risk causing uncertainty or even becoming impossible to implement. Complementing this work, sorry, completing this work soon would give INEC the clarity it needs and give all stakeholders the confidence to prepare properly for 2027. ‘Finally, our sixth priority is safeguarding freedom of expression and protecting the media.

‘Journalists are essential to any democracy; they inform voters, hold institutions accountable, and keep public debate alive. Yet we continue to hear troubling reports of harassment, threats, and even violence against media practitioners and journalists. Despite a federal court ruling recognising the state’s duty to act, no comprehensive framework to protect media professionals has yet been created.

‘What is needed is a credible system to investigate and prosecute attacks swiftly and effectively. That would show that freedom of expression is not only guaranteed on paper but also upheld in practice. Without a free and safe media, citizens cannot make informed choices, and democracy itself is weakened.

‘Protecting journalists is therefore not just about individual rights but safeguarding the health of Nigeria’s democracy.’

The Chief of Mission underlined two key issues for restoring confidence in the electoral process:

‘Public confidence in INEC remains low, despite efforts made and progress achieved. In this context, a merit-based and non-partisan appointment process of its new Chairperson would send a powerful signal of commitment to credible elections. Another important step in this direction would be a robust system for real-time publication of polling unit and collation results, allowing citizens to verify both paper and electronic records.’

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) yesterday described Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy as a forward-looking and sustainable plan.

It commended the country for its remarkable achievements in the maritime sector in recent times.

IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, said the maritime plan was a laudable initiative for harnessing marine resources sustainability.

Domínguez, who arrived Nigeria yesterday on a working visit, made the remarks during a courtesy visit to Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

He commended the remarkable achievements in maritime security, particularly the zero piracy incident, for over three years.

He said the groundbreaking Deep Blue Project was a model for regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.

Dominguez said the investment in maritime safety infrastructure and the collaboration of security agencies, especially the Nigerian Navy, had yielded tangible results in combating piracy and maritime crimes.

He added that these efforts demonstrated Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to ensuring safer seas, not just for its own waters, but also for the wider West and Central African regions.

The Secretary-General also acknowledged Nigeria’s recent submission to the organisation outlining its national and regional security initiatives, stressing the need for continued support in infrastructure development and acquisition of modern equipment.

He assured that the IMO would remain committed to providing technical assistance through awareness campaigns, training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.

Dominguez expressed admiration for the facilities at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, especially the training infrastructure.

He urged greater collaboration among the academy, the Ministry of Education and industry stakeholders to guide young Nigerians in pursuing maritime careers.

Oyetola said the IMO chief’s visit reflected the strength of Nigeria’s relationship with the global maritime body.

He noted that the partnership with the Navy and other stakeholders was pivotal in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Oyetola reaffirmed the country’s determination to consolidate recent gains and expand opportunities in the marine and blue economy.

He commended Domínguez for choosing Nigeria for the visit and expressed optimism that the discussions would further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

During the visit, presentations were made by top government officials and key stakeholders in the sector.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted ongoing reforms and initiatives in security, seafarer welfare and regulatory frameworks aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation.

The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, showcased the academy’s modern training facilities and underscored the importance of international partnerships in cadet exchange and simulator-based training.

The Managing Director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Mr. Wang Qiang, outlined the port’s role in boosting Nigeria’s cargo handling capacity, creating jobs and attracting long-term foreign investments.

Domínguez also interacted with cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, urging them to embrace emerging opportunities in the maritime sector, particularly in renewable energy, green shipping and maritime technology.

He reaffirmed IMO’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria to strengthen maritime safety, enhance governance structures, and drive the sustainable growth of the blue economy,

The Secretary- General said the country’s achievements served as a model of excellence for Africa and beyond.

In highlighting the organisation’s ongoing projects, Domínguez referenced a regional conference scheduled for Ghana in January next year on the Safe Seas Project, designed to consolidate contributions from Nigeria and other partner states.

He also announced ongoing discussions with the European Union aimed at launching a new maritime governance project focused on ports and security, as well as two regional projects in Southern and Western Africa where progress would be tracked through defined indicators.

Apart from security, Domínguez emphasised the need for countries to prepare for wider global challenges including the energy transition, the adoption of biofuels, and financing mechanisms, to support the training of seafarers, infrastructure development and the adoption of future fuels.

A medical expert, Dr. Abuh Raymond, and his co-coordinator, Sumayyah Muhammad Sani, have called for free distribution of sanitary pads to young girls in Nigeria, the same way condoms are often given out freely for sexual protection.

They made the call on Thursday in Kaduna while speaking on the launch of the ‘Pad the Girl Initiative’, a government-backed programme aimed at promoting health, dignity, and empowerment among young women.

The initiative, described as the first of its kind in the history of Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria, was rolled out by the Uba Sani administration on September 20 at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

It targets over 40,000 female students across tertiary institutions with free sanitary pads and menstrual health education.

Dr. Raymond and Sumayyah said the programme reflects ‘a bold, inclusive, and modern approach to governance under the visionary and compassionate leadership of Senator Uba Sani.’

According to them, menstrual health remains one of the least discussed yet most pressing challenges facing Nigerian girls, with many forced to miss classes or drop out of school due to lack of access to pads.

‘This initiative is a practical demonstration of the Governor’s belief that if condoms can be distributed free in the interest of public health, sanitary pads must also be free in the interest of women’s health and dignity,’ they said.

Governor Sani’s administration has also expanded scholarships for girls in STEM, strengthened laws against gender-based violence, promoted digital training, and supported vocational programmes for sustainable livelihoods.

Dr. Raymond and Sumayyah, who coordinate the Pad the Girl Initiative under the UBA Ambassadors Network, described the project as a ‘landmark intervention’ and a historic step towards ensuring that no girl in Kaduna State is denied education or dignity because of her gender.

‘Governor Uba Sani’s leadership is rewriting the narrative for Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria, ensuring equity and empowerment for the next generation. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of young women is truly making a difference,’ they added.

Chief Dele Omosehin, Lisa of Osooro Kingdom in Ondo State, and Convener of Asejere Progressive Movement, has called on Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s reform with prayers, patience, and patriotic commitment.

Omosehin spoke at the 65th Independence Anniversary in his kingdom. He described the occasion as a period for sober reflection and renewed dedication to unity, peace, and development.

He said while the reforms may bring initial discomfort, they will reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth.

‘Every reform has its sacrifices, but there will be light at the end of the tunnel,’ Omosehin said. ‘What our nation needs is not despair but prayer, support, and willingness of every Nigerian to contribute to its progress.’

The Lisa emphasised patriotism and collective responsibility, stressing nation-building requires contributions of all.

‘We do not need to wait till we empower everyone. The little we do for our neighbour, community, and state will transform Nigeria,’ he added.

Citing President Tinubu’s increased allocation to states, Omosehin urged citizens to support their governors in complementing federal efforts.

‘Federal Government is doing its part, but lasting development depends on how states and communities channel these resources into the lives of ordinary people,’ he noted.

Beyond advocacy, Chief Omosehin highlighted his initiatives in grassroots empowerment, saying he supported youths in start-ups, gave scholarships, and created platforms for community development.

He referenced his forthcoming partnership with Bimbeads Concepts to train women and girls in Okitipupa and Irele in jewellery-making, mentorship, and market access.

He also cited BOF Unity Cup holding January 4, designed to promote peace, unity, and talent discovery among youths.

‘When youths are engaged positively – through skills, sports, or opportunities – they become productive drivers of national growth,’ he said.

In his message, he prayed for unity, peace, and prosperity, reaffirming his resolve to work with likeminds to ensure Okitipupa, Irele, and Ondo state contribute to Nigeria’s renewal.

‘The challenges before us are many, but the opportunities are even greater. With faith in God, support for President Tinubu’s vision, and a shared commitment to progress, Nigeria will rise to its full potential,’ he concluded.

Singer Seyi Shay has praised Wizkid hailing him as the ‘greatest of all time’ in the music industry.

In a recent interview on The Honest Bunch podcast, she expressed unwavering respect for the singer, stressing on his exceptional talent, intelligence, and discipline.

According to Seyi Shay, Wizkid’s creative process is nothing short of magical.

Seyi Shay recalled a memorable studio session where Wizkid effortlessly juggled recording and eating.

She marveled at how he could seamlessly multitask, producing remarkable music while going about his meal with ease.

Shay credited him with being a source of inspiration and guidance in her own career.

Beyond their professional relationship, Seyi Shay has developed a genuine friendship with Wizkid, appreciating his advice on navigating the music industry, particularly his warnings about the behaviors of certain individuals.

She said: ‘That I respect to this day. I still think he’s the greatest. I still do. Like there’s no way around it. I’ve worked with everybody in this industry and to me, he’s the greatest. I don’t care what anyone says. Wizkid, we became genuine friends now. It was now no longer industry friends because I realized that he’s actually so smart and so talented. Like I’ve actually seen him record while eating.

‘And that was mad to me. I don’t know where he gets his inspiration from, but he’s like a magician. And I am attracted, heavily attracted to people with such levels of talent.

‘And he used to tell me a lot about how people behave in this industry. So coming in new, I have to watch out for things like this, things like that, you know, and just be on guard. And, you know, and I wish I listened and not wasn’t so free because he does it so well. He’s very disciplined. Like he knows how to, you know, yeah. And that’s, he lives by that. And this is the things that he used to tell me. So from that, I was like, yo, you’re really cool. Yeah. But he was already famous. He was already wiz’.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s foremost indigenous elevator and escalator company, Kresta Laurel Limited, on its 35th anniversary.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the management and staff of the company for their enterprise discipline, resilience, and commitment to sound business practices.

These, the President noted, have ensured the firm’s longevity in a highly competitive industry.

Headquartered in Lagos, with branches in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and a zonal office in Ibadan, Kresta Laurel has been a major player in the installation and maintenance of elevators and escalators.

The company is also a recipient of the African Order of Merit in Cranes, Escalators, and Elevator Technology.

President Tinubu recalled the company’s support during his days as Lagos State governor-elect in 1999, when it provided office space for his transition team as he assembled a technocratic State Executive Council (Exco) to steer the affairs of the state.

He expressed appreciation to the firm for its continued belief in the Nigerian market and for contributing to the growth of indigenous enterprise.

Extending his felicitations to the Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors, Senator Gbenga Daniel, the President wished the organisation many more years of success and greater milestones in its corporate journey.

The federal government is intensifying efforts to reposition the marine and blue economy as Nigeria’s next major revenue driver, with Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola declaring the sector poised to overtake crude oil as the nation’s dominant income source.

Speaking at the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Friday, Oyetola described the maritime sector as a ‘goldmine’ that could fuel sustainable economic growth, create millions of jobs, and transform Nigeria into a global maritime hub.

His remarks came during the Lagos tour of Arsenio Domínguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), who is on a three-day official visit to Nigeria.

‘Nigeria’s future lies beyond oil,’ Oyetola said. ‘The marine and blue economy is a goldmine that can drive growth and prosperity, and we are determined to harness its full potential to become the primary driver of our economy.’

The minister, an alumnus of UNILAG, also urged Nigerian youths to embrace opportunities in shipping, logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, marine research, and offshore energy, stressing that the nation’s long-term prosperity depends on a new generation of skilled professionals.

‘There are abundant opportunities for our young people in shipping, logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, marine research, and offshore energy. I encourage you to be bold, innovative, and diligent. The future of this sector, and indeed the future of Nigeria’s economy, rests on your shoulders,’ he added.

Oyetola commended UNILAG and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for their collaboration in manpower development, citing NIMASA’s recent donation of a new building to the Institute of Maritime Studies. He said the nation’s marine and blue economy agenda is anchored on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, with youth capacity-building central to the long-term vision.

The IMO Secretary-General, who had earlier paid a courtesy call on President Bola Tinubu and met with heads of Nigeria’s maritime agencies, dedicated his second day in Lagos to inspecting critical facilities that underscore Nigeria’s maritime capabilities.

At the Nigerian Navy dockyard in Apapa, Domínguez toured NNS Lana, a hydrographic research vessel commissioned in 2021. He was received by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Gregory Oamen, and the vessel’s Commanding Officer, Captain O.S. Giwa.

NNS Lana, a state-of-the-art vessel designed for oceanographic and charting surveys, provides essential data for navigation, maritime safety, and offshore oil and gas exploration. Domínguez praised the Navy’s investment in modern hydrographic capability, describing it as a boost to maritime security and trade facilitation.

The IMO boss also visited NIMASA’s C4i Centre and the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC) in Apapa. The C4i Centre, a key component of Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project, integrates advanced command, control, communication, computer, and intelligence technologies to monitor the country’s waters and coordinate rapid responses. The RMRCC oversees search-and-rescue operations across Nigeria’s maritime domain and collaborates with international bodies to ensure safety at sea.

Visibly impressed, Domínguez commended Nigeria for its leadership in securing the Gulf of Guinea and establishing frameworks that align with IMO’s mission.

‘Facilities like these reflect a level of preparedness and innovation that aligns with IMO’s global mission of safe, secure, and sustainable shipping. Nigeria’s leadership in securing the Gulf of Guinea and building robust safety frameworks is exemplary,’ he said.

At UNILAG’s Institute of Maritime Studies, Domínguez and Oyetola interacted directly with students, offering guidance and encouragement. Domínguez noted that Nigeria’s investments in manpower development, especially through NIMASA’s initiatives, would strengthen the country’s position in the global maritime community.

Oyetola, on his part, underscored that manpower and youth engagement were critical to the country’s transition from an oil-dependent economy.

‘Our goal is to build a new generation of maritime professionals who will drive Nigeria’s transformation as a global maritime hub,’ he said.

The IMO chief’s three-day visit, which concludes on Saturday, is expected to deepen Nigeria’s collaboration with the international maritime community and spotlight the country’s strategic investments in security, research, and blue economy development.

For Nigeria, the blue economy is no longer a peripheral ambition but a central pillar of national strategy, according to industry players. As Oyetola put it, the country is betting on the oceans to fuel its next phase of prosperity.

When FIFA slammed South Africa with a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player, Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers was suddenly thrown wide open. The sanction, which overturned Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 win over Lesotho into a 3-0 defeat, means Nigeria’s Super Eagles are back in contention.

Nigeria, languishing in third place, now find themselves just three points behind leaders Benin and South Africa, with two games left to play. On paper, FIFA’s helping hand offers renewed hope. Yet it is a herculean task before the Super Eagles if they are desirous of making the World Cup party after missing out at the 2022 edition held in oil-rich Qatar.

In fact, for most football Stakeholders, the Super Eagles must seize chance and gird their loins in the upcoming contests when they play away to Lesotho on October 10th before concluding the race in Uyo on October 14th .

‘My concern is not Benin or South Africa but we should watch out for Lesotho and Rwanda behind us,’ former Nigeria midfielder Friday Ekpo noted in an interview on a Lagos-based Sports radio station, Brila Fm. ‘Nigeria not being able to win back-to-back games is a big worry.

‘We need to sit back, rethink our strategy and ensure we pick up six points from our remaining fixtures. While we are busy calculating, other teams are simply focused on winning their matches.’

Ekpo’s sentiments were echoed by former Flying Eagles winger Dimeji Lawal who urged for caution rather than celebration of the misfortune that had just befell South Africa in the race to the 2026 Mundial, adding the approach of the Super Eagles in recent times does not inspired any confidence.

‘I don’t get excited about the sanction of South Africa. One thing is to get three points taken away from them, another is for us to win our remaining games. That’s the real test,’ Lawal said matter-of-factly. ‘The bottom line is: can we win the last two games?’

Former left-back Ifeanyi Udeze was more direct insisting that the Super Eagles players must be made aware of the essence of what it means to play at the FIFA World Cup while adding that the awareness of this would help the Nigerian team to know how to plan for both games:

‘Both games are must-win. The players must know their lives depend on it. Even after we win, we still need South Africa to drop points. This is not a time for complacency,’ he averred.

Equally, the 1996 Atlanta Olympic football gold medallist , Abiodun Obafemi, was even sterner in his outlook stating that the present crop of players may miss the chance to go to the World Cup if they throw this new lifeline away.

‘FIFA has given us a lifeline. If we miss this chance, this generation should forget about the World Cup. Too often, we expect our boys to rise up and they disappoint. This is a lifetime opportunity, and for many of them, it might be their last shot.’

But for erstwhile youth international Taiwo Enegwea who is currently attached as an assistant coach at Heartland Football Club of Owerri, the Super Eagles must not only win their forthcoming two matches but they must win with probably with cricket margins, adding that goal difference could be the decider if all the contending teams cancelled themselves out as being speculated.

‘We must do everything humanly possible to win the last two games, especially against Benin. A good win against them may bridge the gap. We must score goals and not just settle for slim wins,’ Enegwea noted.

Enegwa’s coaching colleague at Heartland and former U20 goalkeeper, Emeka Amadi, described the sanction against South Africa as a ‘morale booster’ for the Super Eagles, adding they must be on top of the two games to boost their chances of making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be jointly co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.

‘It’s good news, but the important thing is to win with good goals. Goals difference may count. We still have a chance but we must take it now,’ noted Amadi, a two FIFA U-17 World Cup winner as the goalkeepers’ trainer to the Golden Eaglets class of 2013 and 2015.

Additionally, George Aluo, a board member of the NFF agreed that three points taken off South Africa should be morale booster for the Super Eagles to fight to the finishing point.

‘The decision by FIFA has thrown the group wide open,’ Aluo who doubles as the Chairman of the Nigeria national League (NNL), told NationSport, adding the Amavubi of Rwanda who are currently in fourth position can be regarded as the dark horses in the race for the Group C ticket. ‘ Now , it is possible for Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa to finish on 17 points(at the end of the qualifiers) .

‘All eyes will be on what happens between Rwanda and Benin.

‘Should Rwanda win that game and we beat Lesotho, then anything, just anything can happen at the end of the race. All the four countries Nigeria, South Africa, Benin and Rwanda are all very much in contention and I know Rwanda will fight to the end against South Africa should they beat Benin at home.’

Despite all the positives indices, Nigerian football historian and diarist, Kunle Solaja, has yet urged the rank and file of the Super Eagles to take lessons from history.

He reckoned that Nigeria’s football history is littered with reminders of the dangers of administrative or technical errors which befell South Africa, warning that attention must also be paid to details as the Super Eagles approach the double header this month.

He noted: ‘In 1984, Shooting Stars were rocked before the second leg of the CAF Champions Cup final against Zamalek when Felix Owolabi was ruled ineligible due to accumulated yellow cards. Disorganized and demoralized, the Ibadan side lost 2-0 in Cairo and 3-0 on aggregate, missing out on Nigeria’s first Champions Cup title.

‘In 2018, during the Russia World Cup qualifiers, FIFA awarded Algeria a 3-0 win after Nigeria fielded Shehu Abdullahi despite his suspension. Though Nigeria had already qualified, the embarrassment highlighted NFF’s administrative lapses.’

He argued with clear warning : discipline and paperwork matter as much as performance on the pitch.

‘The Super Eagles now walk a fine line. Twelve players are sitting on yellow cards, including Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Any additional bookings could rule them out of the decisive final match against Benin Republic in Uyo,’ he explained.

South Africa’s costly mistake has opened the door, but walking through it depends entirely on Nigeria. The Super Eagles face Lesotho away on October 10 before hosting Benin Republic in Uyo on October 14.

Victory in both matches is non-negotiable. Discipline, tactical sharpness, and ruthless finishing will define whether the lifeline leads to redemption or regret.

As Obafemi bluntly put it: ‘If we don’t take this chance, forget about the World Cup.’

For Eric Sekou Chelle’s men and the Nigeria Football Federation, the FIFA lifeline is a reminder that fortune only favours the prepared. This time, Nigeria cannot afford to learn the hard way.