Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken another hit after South Africa and Benin Republic picked up crucial victories on Friday, leaving the Super Eagles under increasing pressure in Group C.

The Eagles will host Rwanda on Saturday at the Victor Attah International Stadium, Uyo, in what is now a must-win clash. Despite the opportunity to bounce back, Nigeria’s qualification path has been complicated by their rivals’ latest results.

Earlier in the day, Bafana Bafana swept aside Lesotho with a commanding 3-0 win to climb to 16 points, while Benin Republic edged Zimbabwe 1-0 in Abidjan, moving up to 11 points.

By contrast, the Super Eagles remain on just seven points. Even with victory over Rwanda, Nigeria would still sit in third place, behind South Africa and Benin.

The situation makes next week’s away showdown against South Africa pivotal. With limited games left in the qualifiers, Tuesday’s fixture could ultimately decide whether Nigeria makes it to the World Cup in North America.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Olasijibomi Ogundele, the Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, wanted over allegations of fraud and money laundering linked to a failed contract with the Enugu State Government.

Ogundele, a 44-year-old Lagos-based real estate developer, is accused of mismanaging funds earmarked for a major state project. According to EFCC sources, investigations revealed discrepancies in contract execution, raising concerns about financial impropriety.

Reacting to the development, Ogundele released an emotional video message where he denied the allegations, attributing the project’s challenges to rising construction costs, economic headwinds, and delays caused by unforeseen circumstances. He also disclosed that he suffered a severe back injury while on site, which impacted his ability to oversee the project.

“I have nothing to hide. I will present myself to the EFCC to clear my name,” Ogundele said in the video.

The declaration has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians questioning transparency in the real estate and construction industry. Critics say the case underscores the larger issue of corruption, project failures, and economic instability affecting both public and private sectors in Nigeria.

Ogundele is expected to surrender to EFCC investigators in Abuja in the coming days as the matter continues to unfold.

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The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, NPM, Ph.D., has approved the appointment of CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO).

CSP Hundeyin, a seasoned communicator and security professional, holds a BA (Hons) in English Language from Lagos State University and an MSc in Legal Criminology & Security Psychology from the University of Ibadan. He also earned a Certificate in Civil-Military Coordination from the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Training Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State.

He is an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a Member of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM).

Career Highlights

Served as Police Public Relations Officer at Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos.

Participated in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur, Sudan (UNAMID) in 2020.

Worked as Administration Officer at the Force Public Relations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Most recently served as Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Police Command.

In his new role, CSP Hundeyin is expected to leverage his expertise in communications, public relations, and security strategy to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force’s engagement with the public and stakeholders.

The outgoing Force PRO, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, fCAI, officially handed over at Force Headquarters, Abuja.

CSP Hundeyin can be reached via 07062606717 or benjamin@hundeyin.com

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Norway’s Ministry of Energy announced on Thursday that it has received applications from 20 oil and gas companies for exploration acreage in its annual Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) licensing round.

The 2025 round features expanded acreage in the Arctic Barents Sea, part of Norway’s strategy to sustain long-term oil and gas production amid Europe’s shifting energy landscape.

According to the ministry, the number of applicants matches last year’s round, when exploration rights were awarded to 20 firms. Energy majors including Equinor, Aker BP, ConocoPhillips, and TotalEnergies were among those submitting bids.

READ ALSO: Dangote Refinery Makes History: Sends First Petrol Cargo to the U.S.

“It is gratifying to see that there is still great interest and that companies have faith in the opportunities that lie in further exploration,” Energy Minister Terje Aasland said in a statement.
“This will enable Norway to continue to be a stable and predictable supplier of oil and gas to Europe.”

The APA licensing round remains a cornerstone of Norway’s petroleum policy, ensuring access to new acreage in mature regions while balancing environmental concerns and economic interests.

Results from the latest bidding round are expected to be announced in early 2026.

Read more here

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The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is at the center of a heated controversy after endorsing a tweet on X from a notorious account known for making anti-Igbo remarks.

The handle referred to Igbos as “monkeys” and “children of gorillas,” sparking outrage across social media platforms.

This is not the first time Dabiri has faced accusations of ethnic bias in her official capacity.

In 2024, she was tagged “the female Bayo Onanuga” after hastily reporting Amaka Sunnberger, a Canada-based Igbo woman, who threatened Yorubas in retaliation to online threats from Yoruba users. Dabiri was criticized for ignoring the initial aggressors while focusing solely on Amaka’s response.

Days later, militant leader Asari Dokubo threatened to kill all Igbos, but Dabiri offered no public reaction, prompting accusations of selective justice.

Reports later surfaced that Amaka Sunnberger sued Dabiri in Canada for discriminatory conduct.

The Latest Incident

When Nigerians cautioned Dabiri for endorsing the recent gorilla and monkey slur, she allegedly doubled down liking further tweets where Yoruba extremists dragged in “Obidients,” a political support base largely associated with the Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

Critics argue that such behavior is unbecoming of a public officer entrusted with the sensitive task of representing Nigerians abroad, especially as NIDCOM pushes for diaspora voting rights.

While many Nigerians accuse Dabiri of abusing her office and normalizing bigotry at a time when ethnic tensions remain high. Her supporters argue that the endorsed tweets did not explicitly mention Igbos, insisting she technically did nothing wrong.

Abike Dabiri is not the first official in the Tinubu administration accused of amplifying ethnic sentiments.

Several aides, both at the state and presidential levels, have been caught making or endorsing inflammatory statements.

As the backlash grows, many are questioning whether NIDCOM’s credibility in advocating for diaspora rights can remain intact under Dabiri’s leadership.

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