The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Algeria’s coach mulls Q-Final showdown with Eagles

    Algeria’s coach mulls Q-Final showdown with Eagles

    Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic praised his team for a professional performance after beating DR Congo 1-0 (AET) in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 on Tuesday.

    The Fennecs enjoyed 59 per cent of the possession at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, but they struggled to really threaten the Leopards’ goal in the first half before creating a few decent chances in the second 45 minutes.

    Following 90 minutes of goalless football, the game went to extra time and the crowd looked to be preparing themselves for penalties when Adil Boulbina scored the winning goal in the 119th minute.

    Petkovic had been forced to make an early change in the second stanza after Ismael Bennacer sustained what appeared to be a muscular injury and was replaced by Himad Abdelli,

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    But the Bosnian hailed his players for overcoming the challenges on the evening, including the heat in Rabat to keep their title hopes alive as they booked a quarter-final date with Nigeria.

    “I believe we deserved to win based on what our players delivered, and I thank them for that,” Petkovic said in the post-match press conference.

    “We controlled two-thirds of the match and played good football, even though we faced some challenges during the game. “We played well as a group, dominated the match, overcame difficulties, scored a goal and managed to win and qualify.

    “I think we managed the match professionally. Qualifying was important, and now we will think about the next match against Nigeria.”

  • Nigeria vs. Algeria: Petkovic braces for stiff Super Eagles’  challenge

    Nigeria vs. Algeria: Petkovic braces for stiff Super Eagles’  challenge

    Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic has expressed his excitement ahead of a demanding quarter-final clash against Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing it as the kind of challenge his team thrives on.

    The Fennec Foxes secured their place in the last eight after edging past DR Congo in extra time, with Adil Boulbina scoring a dramatic 119th-minute winner. Nigeria had already confirmed qualification a day earlier following a dominant 4–0 victory over Mozambique, setting up one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.

    The two sides will meet at the Stade de Marrakech on Saturday, with Petkovic already shifting focus to neutralising Nigeria’s formidable attacking threat. “We will start preparing for the match against Nigeria right now by focusing on our strengths,” the coach said.

    “I like these kinds of matches because they demand hard work and intensity against teams that are aiming for the title,” he added, underlining his respect for the Super Eagles’ quality.

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    Both teams topped their respective groups and have impressed throughout the competition. Nigeria boast the tournament’s most prolific attack, scoring 12 goals in four matches, while Algeria have conceded just once, giving them the strongest defensive record so far.

    Petkovic, appointed in 2024, has enjoyed an impressive tenure with Algeria, losing just one competitive match while recording 19 wins and three draws. However, he will be mindful of the physical demands on his squad after their 120-minute battle with DR Congo, especially with Nigeria enjoying an extra day of rest.

    The encounter also rekindles memories of the 2019 AFCON semi-final, but with new coaches and fresh squads on both sides, Petkovic believes his team can rise to the occasion in what promises to be a high-intensity quarter-final battle.

  • Algeria’s Mahrez expects tricky clash with Super Eagles

    Algeria’s Mahrez expects tricky clash with Super Eagles

    Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has warned that quarter-final showdown with Nigeria  at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations could once again deliver late drama, as the two former champions  renew their rivalry in Marrakech on Saturday.

    The Fennecs booked their place in the last eight following a tense extra-time victory over DR Congo, sealed by Adil Boulbina’s decisive goal late in the contest.

    Nigeria, meanwhile, cruised into the quarter-finals with a commanding 4–0 win over Mozambique, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament’s most impressive sides.

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    Saturday’s encounter revives memories of the 2019 AFCON semi-final, where Mahrez’s iconic stoppage-time free-kick eliminated Nigeria and propelled Algeria toward eventual glory.

    Speaking to Algerian outlet Ebotola, Mahrez reflected on his team’s performance against DR Congo, insisting Algeria deserved their progression.

    “I think overall, if the balance had to tip to one side, it was ours,” Mahrez said. “We played against a strong Congolese team that stayed compact and gave us little space, but we remained solid.”

    Looking ahead to Nigeria, the former Manchester City winger acknowledged the quality of the Super Eagles and the difficulty of the task ahead. “Nigeria? We know them well. The match will not be easy,” he admitted, adding that Algeria’s defensive discipline and individual brilliance could once again be decisive.

    Pressed if another dramatic moment could settle the tie, Mahrez smiled: “A free kick in the last minute again? We’ll see. Anything is possible.”

  • Obanikoro seeks stronger states, federal parastatals synergy

    Obanikoro seeks stronger states, federal parastatals synergy

    Former member of House of Representatives and Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Parastatals Monitoring, Ibrahim Obanikoro, has called for stronger synergy between state and federal parastatals to enhance efficiency, accountability and strategic governance.

    He spoke at the maiden Lagos State and Federal Parastatals Summit: “Enhancing efficiency, accountability and strategic governance in Lagos State and Federal Parastatals.”

    Speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the special adviser described the summit as timely and strategic, stressing that modern governance demands greater coordination, collaboration and shared responsibility among public institutions.

    He explained that the Parastatals Monitoring Office, under his supervision, serves as the central channel for transmitting executive decisions affecting parastatals, convenes quarterly engagements with chief executive officers, and acts as a liaison between Lagos State and other tiers on parastatal-related matters.

    According to Obanikoro, Lagos State remains Nigeria’s economic nerve centre, hosting a concentration of federal and state parastatals operating in the same geographical and socio-economic environment.

    He observed, however, that inadequate coordination among these institutions has led to policy duplication, overlapping mandates, operational inefficiencies and the underutilisation of shared resources.

    “These challenges ultimately impact the quality, speed and effectiveness of services delivered to our people,” Obanikoro said, underscoring the need for deliberate institutional alignment.

    He noted that the summit was convened to bridge existing institutional gaps, promote structured engagement and foster practical collaboration between federal and Lagos State parastatals.

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    Describing the gathering as a platform for frank dialogue, knowledge exchange and solution-driven engagement, Obanikoro said the summit would enable participants to co-create frameworks that promote harmonised development outcomes and improved service delivery.

    He further stated that deliberations at the summit were aligned with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration, which prioritises the development of a smarter, more inclusive and better-governed megacity.

    Achieving this vision, he said, requires institutions to operate in synergy rather than isolation, adding that inter-agency cooperation is critical to sustainable growth and effective governance.

    The Special Adviser urged participants to engage openly, think innovatively and commit to actionable outcomes that would extend beyond the summit, translating discussions into concrete partnerships and measurable impact for Lagosians and Nigerians.

    The maiden summit marked a significant step toward strengthening coordination between Lagos State and Federal Parastatals, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to efficient governance and improved public service delivery.

    “Igbega Ipinle Eko, Ajumose Ni,” Obanikoro declared as he welcomed participants and wished them fruitful deliberations.

  • Oyo APC leaders back Tinubu for 2027

    Oyo APC leaders back Tinubu for 2027

    Prominent leaders of All Progressives Congress in Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in Oyo State have affirmed their commitment to backing President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in  2027 general election.

    The declaration was made yesterday at a unity rally organised by constituency leaders at Moniya, Ibadan.

    The event drew key party figures from the constituency, including Chief Kunle Sanda,  Joshua Oyebamiji, Femi Egbedeyi, Tayo Oyetunji, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, Abisoye Fagade, Chief Isiaka Alimi and Adigun Abiodun, among others.

    Top APC leaders from the state also attended the rally. They included the state party chairman, Alhaji Olaide Abas; Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; senators Teslim Folarin, Yunus Akintunde, Sharafadeen Alli, and Abdulfatai Buhari; Aderemi Oseni; Senator Ayo Adeseun; Prof Adeolu Akande; Bolaji Repete; Akeem Akogun; and Chair of Oyo APC’s United Kingdom caucus, Adebayo Amusat-Gbenla.

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    Speaking with journalists, Chairman of Oyo Central Senatorial District APC, Joshua Oyebamiji, said party leaders had reached a resolution to work for President Tinubu. He added that state leaders would operate as a unified bloc ahead of the 2027 polls.

    Oyebamiji said stakeholders in the party had agreed to prioritise collective objectives over personal interests, noting that internal divisions were now a thing of the past.

    He said: “We are here for two purposes. First, to tell the world and the people of Oyo State that APC is united. We are now one family, and that is why this is called a unity rally. Second, we are here to express our support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027. APC in Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency supports his second-term bid.”

    Other speakers echoed the same sentiments.

    In his remarks, Senator Folarin described the APC as the political platform capable of steering Nigeria to progress. State chairman Alhaji Olaide Abas reaffirmed that the party remains united and urged members to work diligently for the victory of President Tinubu and others in the general election 2027.

  • Law firm donates food, others to inmates

    Law firm donates food, others to inmates

    A law firm, Popoola Taiwo LP, has donated food and other items to inmates of Ikoyi Correctional Centre of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

     The firm said the donation was aimed at engaging inmates in constructive discussions on the nature and status of their cases, with a view to providing legal guidance, clarification and encouragement.

     Principal Partner, Shehu Popoola-Taiwo, said the exercise provided an opportunity for meaningful engagement and reaffirmed importance of collaboration between lawyers and  NCoS in promoting justice, rehabilitation and humane treatment of inmates.

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     “We are at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos as part of our firm’s corporate social responsibility and our commitment to access to justice.

     ”We are also engaging some inmates on the nature and status of their cases to determine where we can offer guidance, clarification and encouragement,” he said.

     According to him, the visit further underscored the need for sustained partnership between the legal profession and the correctional service to improve inmates’ welfare and access to justice.

     Popoola-Taiwo noted that Popoola Taiwo LP will continue to partner NCoS and support initiatives that contribute positively to inmates’ welfare, access to justice and the overall objectives of correctional administration in Nigeria.

  • Company rewards consumers with cash, others

    Company rewards consumers with cash, others

    Golden Penny Foods, a brand under Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), has concluded its 65th Anniversary Buy & Win National Consumer Promotion, which saw more than 10,000 consumers receive over N4 billion.

    The three-month promotion, which ran from September 22, attracted tens of thousands of entries from participants who purchased specially marked Golden Penny products and submitted entries at designated centres nationwide.

    At the end of the campaign, 12 new cars were awarded to winners in Ekiti, Kano, Lagos, Enugu, Cross River, Kogi, Taraba and Osun states.

    Eleven households also benefited from complete kitchen makeovers, while thousands of other participants received cash, refrigerators, washing machines, smart televisions, gas cookers and assorted Golden Penny products.

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    To support nationwide participation, more than 300 redemption centres were activated across the country, allowing consumers to submit entries and collect prizes.

    Weekly raffle draws were conducted live every Tuesday on the company’s social media platforms.

    Speaking at the final draw, Marketing Director of Golden Penny Foods Limited, Ilyas Kazeem, said the promotion was organised to reward customer loyalty built over the past 65 years.

    Golden Penny Foods, one of Nigeria’s long-established food brands, said the initiative was part of activities marking its anniversary.

    The company added that the campaign helped deepen engagement with consumers across different regions of the country.

  • Renewed strike 

    Renewed strike 

    It’s troubling that the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is set to go on an indefinite strike from January 12. Following an expanded National Executive Council meeting, the group’s President, Dr Muhammad Suleiman, unveiled a renewed action plan, with the slogan “No Implementation, No Going Back.”

    The group is demanding the full implementation of nine minimum demands. These include the reinstatement of five doctors dismissed from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja; payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears; and full implementation of the professional and specialist allowance tables, with arrears captured in the 2026 budget.

    Others include: resolution of house officers’ salary delays and arrears with issuance of a formal pay advisory; commencement of locum and work-hours regulation committees; and resumption and timely conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement process.

    It is noteworthy that NARD had earlier declared a strike that started on November 1, 2025, and lasted for nearly a month. At the time, it was reported to have 19 demands. Its Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, had said: “With about 11,000 members, the strike will affect 91 healthcare facilities nationwide.”

    NARD is mainly made up of doctors in the public sector – federal and state teaching and specialist hospitals. Resident doctors have already received their medical degree, and are completing additional training in their specialty of choice. It is a stage of graduate medical training that lasts from three to seven years, depending on the specialty. 

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    Suleiman, in a statement after the last strike began, said the association’s demands “are not selfish, neither are they politically motivated.” According to him, “They are genuine, germane, and patriotic, centred on the survival of the Nigerian health system and the well-being of every citizen who depends on it.” He added: “This is not a fight between resident doctors and the government; it is a struggle for a functional, just, and humane healthcare system.”

     It’s disturbing that NARD is about to start another strike less than two months after the last one.  The union had suspended the strike after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government, outlining seven outstanding issues the government must address. “If the outstanding commitments are not met within the specified period, we will resume the strike,” Ibrahim had said.

    Suleiman has provided a strong reason for the association’s decision to resume the strike: “Every issue is either at the point where the MoU was on the 27th of November, or we have even gone backwards.”

    The failure to resolve these issues – which prompted the latest strike announcement – has serious consequences for those relying on public healthcare. The situation demands an urgent resolution by the authorities.

  • Arsenal must win trophies to leave ‘legacy’, says  Arteta

    Arsenal must win trophies to leave ‘legacy’, says  Arteta

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the Premier League leaders must win trophies if they were to be remembered like the “Invincibles” side that last won the title for the Gunners in 2004.

    Arsene Wenger’s side romped to the title 22 years ago without losing a single league game.

    Arsenal head into today’s clash at home to reigning champions Liverpool with a six-point lead at the top of the table, although Manchester City and Aston Villa can cut that gap when they are in action on Wednesday.

    Arteta’s men, runners-up for the past three seasons, have two more points and four more goals than Wenger’s ‘Invincibles’ managed after 20 games. But the Spaniard said those stats matter little unless Arsenal go on to win the league.

     “No because ‘the Invincibles’ won a lot,” Arteta told his pre-match press conference on whether his side can be considered better than Arsenal’s last title winners. “They won consistently, and they created a history and a legacy, and we have to do that.”

    The lone major piece of silverware won by Arsenal in six years under Arteta remains the 2020 FA Cup

     “There are a lot of stats, but in the last two or three years we have managed more points and more goals than ever before. But at the end, we have to translate that to major trophies,” he added.

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     “Probably doing what we are doing now would have been enough (in 2004), but now it’s not, and we have to make the margins even bigger.”

    Arsenal lost 1-0 to Liverpool at Anfield back in August in what was billed as an early showdown between title rivals.

    The defending champions head to the Emirates 14 points off the top after a difficult second season for Arne Slot, but Arteta insisted the Reds remain “a superb side”.

    The Gunners remain without sidelined defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera but are “monitoring the load” on Kai Havertz as the Germany forward intensifies his training while continuing to recover from a long-term leg injury.

    Arteta, meanwhile, said he was “sad” to see rival boss Ruben Amorim sacked by Manchester United on Monday after just 14 months in charge at Old Trafford.

    The Portuguese coach’s exit followed growing tensions with senior United officials, including director of football Jason Wilcox, over recent days.

    United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe had previously suggested Amorim would be given at least three years in charge, citing Arsenal’s patience with Arteta as an example to follow.

    Appointed in 2019, Arteta endured a rocky start to his time in charge of Arsenal.

    But they are now a commanding 17 points ahead of sixth-placed United, who won just 25 of 63 games in all competitions under Amorim.

     “I can only talk about what I have experienced and it’s always sad to see a colleague losing his job, obviously,” said Arteta. “We know where we are and I think you need support from the ownership, from your staff, from players.

     “At the end of the day, you need to win a lot of football matches if you want to stay in the job, and that’s the reality and the nature of our job.”

  • Messi wants to be club owner at retirement

    Messi wants to be club owner at retirement

    MLS superstar Lionel Messi wants to follow in the footsteps of Inter Miami’s David Beckham and become a club owner after he hangs up his boots.

    The 38-year-old Argentina legend, who is signed with Miami through 2028, said he prefers ownership over coaching as his second act.

    “I don’t see myself as a coach,” the two-time MLS MVP and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner told Argentine streaming channel Luzu TV in an interview. “I want to have my own club, start from the bottom and make it big. Being able to give kids the opportunity to develop and achieve something important. If I had to choose, that would appeal to me more.”

    Messi, who guided Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup championship in 2025, has a future minority ownership stake in the MLS club in his contract.

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    In May, he helped long time former MLS and FC Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez to launch a new fourth-division club Deportivo LSM in Suarez’s native Uruguay.

    “I want to thank Luis for giving me this opportunity, for inviting me to join him and share this project that he has been working on for many years and that has grown a lot,” Messi said at the time, per ESPN Uruguay.

    “Being able to be a part of this is an honor. I hope to contribute everything I can to continue growing this club and to be by your side.”

    Messi and Miami begin the 2026 MLS regular season on Feb. 21 at Los Angeles FC.