Author: Press Room

Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has reportedly informed his French club, Nantes, that he intends to leave this summer, Soccernet.ng reports. ​Awaziem joined the former Coupe de France winners from Major League Soccer (MLS) side Colorado Rapids last summer, with high expectations that he would slot seamlessly into the backline. However, his impact was inconsistent. Nantes cycled through three different managers last season, with each one bringing his unique tactical approaches. And that hindered the defender’s ability to find a rhythm. Across his 26 appearances last season, he managed one goal and two assists. Chidozie Awaziem at FC Nantes. Copyright:…

‎The Federal Government on Monday, urged the Federal High Court in Abuja, to remand the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, for allegedly failing to perfect the conditions attached to his fresh N200m bail. ‎The application came as Sowore formally opened his defence in the criminal defamation case instituted against him over social media posts in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.” ‎Justice Mohammed Umar had on June 30 admitted Sowore to fresh bail in the sum of N200m with two sureties after revoking his earlier bail over his…

Ademola Adegbite and Gabriel Oshokha The Nigerian chapter of the West African College of Physicians on Monday called for stronger partnerships, innovation and investment in healthcare to tackle growing challenges, including brain drain, non-communicable diseases and future pandemics. The National Chairman of the chapter, Prof. Benjamin Uzochukwu, made the call during a press conference ahead of the college’s 50th Annual General and Scientific Meeting, held at Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall B, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State. Uzochukwu said the conference would bring together more than 400 medical experts, researchers and policymakers to discuss the future of healthcare delivery and specialist…

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off later this month, and Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to compete for an 11th continental crown, Soccernet.ng reports. ​The team’s last outing in Morocco saw them overcome significant challenges to defeat the hosts. This year’s tournament promises to be even more significant—and historic. It marks the first time the WAFCON will feature 16 teams, a four-team rise from the previous 12. And crucially, it serves as the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Esther Okoronkwo of Nigeria. (Photo by: ImagoxMansaAyoola) ​Coach Justin Madugu is expected to name…

The Federal Road Safety Corps has expressed grief over three separate road traffic crashes that claimed 32 lives and left 26 others injured in Kogi, Ogun and Kwara states between Sunday and Monday. The Corps described the crashes as tragic and largely preventable, blaming them on traffic violations including speeding, dangerous driving, driver fatigue, poor tyre maintenance and the illegal practice of conveying passengers alongside goods. In a statement on Monday by the Corps Public Education Officer, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, the FRSC said it sympathised with the families of the victims and wished those receiving treatment a speedy…

Hull City owner Acun Ilıcalı has openly praised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, describing the Galatasaray star as the best foreign player currently playing in the Turkish Süper Lig, Soccernet.ng reports. However, despite his admiration, the Turkish businessman admitted that bringing Osimhen or other top players from Turkey to the Premier League has become increasingly difficult because of soaring transfer fees and player salaries. Ilıcalı, who previously served as vice-president of Fenerbahçe, made the comments during an interview with Transfermarkt via Haberler while discussing the growing quality of the Turkish top flight. Hull City recently secured promotion back to the…

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate major global technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and unlawful exploitation of the content of Nigerian media organisations. The move followed a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation, an umbrella body comprising the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers. The directive, conveyed to the FCCPC through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, could open a new…

Emem Julius The Cross River State Police say they have commenced an investigation after a woman, Blessing Ayebe, was found dead inside a church toilet in Calabar. PUNCH Metro learnt on Sunday that the deceased was discovered around 9 p.m. last Monday inside the toilet facility of a church in the Ikot Ansa area of Calabar Municipality. Our correspondent gathered that her family raised the alarm after she was declared missing. On Tuesday, July 1, her daughter, Peace Ayebe, reported the matter at the Federal Housing Police Station in Calabar. She said she was informed of her mother’s disappearance by…

The organizers of the Ballon d’Or have confirmed the rules for the 2026 edition of the award ceremony, and several Super Eagles stars may be fancying their chances of claiming the prestigious honor, Soccernet.ng reports. ​PSG star Ousmane Dembele won the last edition after helping his side secure a European treble: the Champions League, Ligue 1, and the Coupe de France. ​This year’s race promises to be tighter, particularly due to the World Cup. Traditionally, the best player from the Champions League-winning team is considered the favorite. However, in a World Cup year, the winning nation’s performance often shifts the…

No fewer than 15 persons died in an auto crash at the Muslim Cemetery area on the Ogbomoso–Oko Olowo corridor of the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway, Kwara. The Kwara Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr Kabir Kazeem, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to newsmen, on Monday in Ilorin. Kazeem said that the fatal crash, which occurred at about 2.32am, involved a lone DAF XF truck with registration number GWL 274 XC. The sector commander said that 48 male occupants were involved in the crash, with 15 persons confirmed dead, 17 sustaining varying degrees of injuries, while…