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Capturing Finidi’s Heart: NPFL’s Impact on Ismail’s Rise
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Capturing Finidi’s Heart: NPFL’s Impact on Ismail’s Rise

Super Eagles coach Finidi George's invitation of Remo Stars' Sodiq Ismail to join the national team is seen as a breakthrough moment not just for the young defender, but for the entire club. Ismail, a 20-year-old right-back, is the first Remo Stars player to earn a call-up to the men's national team, according to PUNCH Sports Extra. Ismail's debut call-up came last Friday when the Nigeria Football Federation revealed George's 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic. The games are scheduled for June 7 in Uyo against Bafana Bafana and June 10 in Ivory Coast against Benin Republic. Among the players selected, Ismail and Enyimba's goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke, represent the Nigerian Premier Football League on the int...
Apochi Declares Usyk as the Greatest Boxer of Our Time
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Apochi Declares Usyk as the Greatest Boxer of Our Time

In the aftermath of Oleksandr Usyk's remarkable victory over Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia, Nigerian boxing heavyweight prospect, Efetobor Apochi, has labelled Usyk as the top boxer of this era. Reflecting on the heavyweight unification bout known as the Ring of Fire, which occurred at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 18, Apochi shared his thoughts on his Instagram page. Having been acquainted with Usyk since the Baku 2011 Amateur World Championship, Apochi expressed, "He’s undefeated for a reason, and he’s by far the best boxer of this era." Apochi, a microbiology graduate from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, commenced his professional boxing career in 2017 alongside his friend and fellow heavyweight prospect, Efe...
Strategies Needed to Revive Nigeria’s Decaying Infrastructure
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Strategies Needed to Revive Nigeria’s Decaying Infrastructure

Laolu Afolabi discusses the challenges facing the Bola Tinubu administration in addressing the country's infrastructure issues. Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa with over 230 million people, is facing a severe infrastructure deficit. The Global Competitiveness Index Report of 2019 ranked Nigeria 130th out of 141 economies for infrastructure quality, highlighting the urgent need for improvement. The current infrastructure shortfall in Nigeria is estimated at 30% of its GDP, significantly lower than the international benchmark of 70% set by the World Bank. With a rapidly growing population and projections of reaching 400 million by 2050, Nigeria's infrastructure is in danger of being overwhelmed. The World Bank suggests an investment of $3tn to bridge this gap. Despite having...
Interest in Wilfred Ndidi from Lyon as Everton also lurk
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Interest in Wilfred Ndidi from Lyon as Everton also lurk

With UEFA Europa League qualification secured for the upcoming season, Olympique Lyonnais are aiming to strengthen their squad in the transfer window. They have already set their sights on potential targets, with Leicester City's midfielder Wilfred Ndidi (27) on their radar, as reported by Foot Mercato. While Nemanja Matić and Maxence Caqueret have impressed in Lyon’s midfield in recent months, there remains a need for reinforcements in that area. It is anticipated that interest in the latter could arise this summer, potentially leading to his departure. Similarly, Corentin Tolisso's future is uncertain, and Orel Mangala, who joined OL from Nottingham Forest in January, has yet to solidify his position. Lyon attempted to acquire Ndidi last su...
Report: Crime Hotspots in Lagos Revealed as Lekki, Oshodi, and Apapa
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Report: Crime Hotspots in Lagos Revealed as Lekki, Oshodi, and Apapa

During the Lagos State Justice Reform Summit, critical crime statistics and comprehensive reform plans were revealed to overhaul the state’s criminal justice system. The data was presented by Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos High Court during a two-day Justice Reform Summit organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in Ikeja. The Lagos State Criminal Information System highlighted that Lekki, Oshodi/Isolo, and Apapa are currently the top crime spots in Lagos. Between 2018 and 2024, a total of 62,117 inmates were registered in LCIS, with Lekki accounting for 13% of reported cases, as disclosed by Justice Oshodi. Oshodi/Isolo, Apapa, and Ojo each followed with 10%, while Alimosh...
Party Leaders: PDP, LP Insist on Maintaining Structures for 2027 Collaboration
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Party Leaders: PDP, LP Insist on Maintaining Structures for 2027 Collaboration

In the lead-up to the 2027 general election, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party have made it clear that they will not be discarding their names and party frameworks. Instead, they are considering joining forces to challenge the current All Progressives Congress government. Separate interviews with NewsNow revealed this stance from the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, and the spokesperson for the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Yunusa Tanko. Recent closed-door discussions between LP's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and key political figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki have led to speculation about a potential collaboration be...
Police apprehend alleged cultists during initiation in Ogun State
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Police apprehend alleged cultists during initiation in Ogun State

In the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, at Malaka Quarters, Owode Egba, the Ogun State Police Command has detained three suspected members of the Eiye cult confraternity and rescued a potential victim during an initiation gathering. Olayiwola Akinsanya, Keji Sodipo, and Oluwaseyi Olabamiji were apprehended following a report to the police, prompting swift action by law enforcement officers. A source within the police, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that Joshua Obiladem, the individual slated for initiation that night, was successfully rescued. Subsequent to their arrest, a knife and mystical items were seized from the suspects, who are currently in police custody. ...
Chelsea Eyeing Potential £51m Move for Atletico’s Omorodion
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Chelsea Eyeing Potential £51m Move for Atletico’s Omorodion

Rumors have surfaced regarding Chelsea's intentions to sign Samu Omorodion, a young forward of Nigerian descent currently on the books at Atletico Madrid, as they possibly look to bolster their attacking options under the potential management of Enzo Maresca. Enzo Maresca is poised to assume the managerial role at Chelsea, emerging as their prime candidate for the position. According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, all necessary arrangements have been finalized, indicating Maresca's impending appointment to succeed Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge. Nicolas Jackson carried much of Chelsea's striking responsibilities in the past season, netting 17 goals in 44 appearances. However, speculations suggest that Chelsea could be on the lookout for additional firepower upfront, po...
Dispute between Lagos community and EKEDC over N24m bill
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Dispute between Lagos community and EKEDC over N24m bill

Allegations have been raised by the Upper Alara Tobun Dacosta community in Yaba, Lagos State against the Ijora Business Unit of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) regarding an exorbitant electricity bill amounting to N24 million. The community's claim stems from a transformer malfunction in April that resulted in a blackout. Chairman Abdulwaheed Ibrahim reported that when they requested transformer repairs from EKEDC, the company instead presented them with a dubious N24 million bill, which they deemed fraudulent. Ibrahim also highlighted instances where residents received incorrect and inflated bills. Expressing frustration, Ibrahim mentioned that some residents were charged double their usual bills, emphasizing that despite making the payments, there had been no resolution...
EKEDC Faces N24m Billing Dispute with Lagos Community
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EKEDC Faces N24m Billing Dispute with Lagos Community

Allegations have emerged from the Upper Alara Tobun Dacosta community in Yaba, Lagos State, accusing the Ijora Business Unit of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) of overbilling residents to the tune of N24m for electricity. The controversy began when a transformer malfunctioned in April, causing a blackout in the area. The community's chairman, Abdulwaheed Ibrahim, stated that when they requested transformer repairs from EKEDC, the company surprisingly presented them with a bill of N24m, which the community viewed as fraudulent. Ibrahim also highlighted instances where residents received inflated and incorrect bills. Expressing frustration, Ibrahim mentioned that some residents were charged double their usual bills. Despite paying...