The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • PROFILES: Anthony Joshua’s two friends, Sina and Latif, who died in Monday crash

    PROFILES: Anthony Joshua’s two friends, Sina and Latif, who died in Monday crash

    Two of Anthony Joshua’s closest friends have been named as the individuals who died in a car crash, which left the two-time world heavyweight champion injured in Nigeria.

    Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, identified the victims as Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both long-standing members of the boxer’s inner circle. The organisation confirmed the tragedy in an official statement.

    The outpouring of tributes from across the boxing world — from rivals to champions — speaks to the profound respect and affection they commanded.

    Sina and Latif, both long-time friends of Joshua, were killed after the Lexus SUV they were all travelling in smashed into a stationary truck shortly after 11:00 am on Monday on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Makun.

    Joshua was seated in the rear of the vehicle when the collision occurred.

    Read Also: NDDC budget must meet aspiration of Niger Delta people, says Reps committee 

    Sina Ghami was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for more than a decade.

    He also co-founded Evolve Gym in London.

    According to the gym’s website, Ghami is a certified sports and exercise rehabilitator who specialises in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise.

    Ghami had worked with athletes across several sports, including the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, and the Michigan State University football team.

    He was a key presence in Joshua’s corner during several landmark bouts, most notably the historic 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium — a defining moment in modern heavyweight boxing.

    Latif Ayodele, widely known as Latz, was Joshua’s personal trainer.

    Ayodele regularly posted photos with Joshua on his Instagram page and was seen with the boxer shortly before the accident.

    While he officially served as Joshua’s personal trainer, Latz was also one of his closest friends.

    According to The Mirror, he was deeply passionate about fitness and played a central role in Joshua’s day-to-day training routines.

    Born Kevin Ayodele, he later converted to Islam and adopted the name Abdul Latif. Those who knew him described him as deeply committed to his faith and dedicated to inspiring others through discipline, training, and example.

    With over 11,000 followers on Instagram, @Healthy_Mindset was not merely a username but a philosophy. Latz built a community by authentically promoting a lifestyle built on discipline, rigorous physical training, and mental resilience. He lived the creed he preached, becoming a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

  • LASG cancels 2025 greater Lagos fiesta, urges residents to pray for nation

    LASG cancels 2025 greater Lagos fiesta, urges residents to pray for nation

    The Lagos State Government has announced the cancellation of the 2025 Greater Lagos Fiesta, which was scheduled for December 31, 2025.

    The decision was communicated on Tuesday via a post by the special adviser on media and publicity, Gboyega Akosile, on his official X page.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who approved the cancellation, directed that Lagosians instead dedicate the day to personal prayers for the nation, the state, and the people of Lagos.

    Akosile urged residents to pray for “our continued prosperity, leadership, peace, productivity, and our continued general well-being.”

    Read Also: Why we appointed Ooni as Chancellor of our state-owned varsity – Zulum 

    In his message, Governor Sanwo-Olu wished all Lagosians a happy and prosperous 2026, expressing optimism about the year ahead. He encouraged residents to continue living in peace and harmony, assuring them that his administration would work harder to deliver progress for the state.

    “On behalf of my family, I wish every resident of our dear State a happy and prosperous new year. I want to assure you all that 2026 will be a better year for us in the State, as our administration is determined to work twice as hard to deliver the goods for the residents of the state,” the Governor said.

  • Edun, NSC mourn victims of Lagos–Ibadan crash, console Anthony Joshua

    Edun, NSC mourn victims of Lagos–Ibadan crash, console Anthony Joshua

    The President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, alongside the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon Bukola Olopade, have expressed deep condolences to global boxing star Anthony Joshua and the families of the victims following a fatal road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

    In a condolence message issued on behalf of the Nigerian boxing community, Edun described the incident as deeply distressing and extended sympathies to Joshua and the bereaved families, offering prayers for comfort and healing.

    “On behalf of the entire Nigerian Boxing family, I express my deepest condolences to our national treasure, Anthony Joshua, and the families of the two individuals who passed away,” the message read. “The loss of life is always deeply distressing, and our thoughts and prayers are with you, Anthony, and the affected families at this difficult time.

    Read Also: Why we appointed Ooni as Chancellor of our state-owned varsity – Zulum 

    “As a boxing community, we pray for your speedy recovery and that the souls of the departed rest in peace.”

    Similarly, the Director General of the NSC, Hon Olopade, conveyed profound sympathy to Joshua and the families of the victims of the accident, which occurred on Monday, December 29.

    Beyond issuing an official statement, Olopade paid a visit to the former world heavyweight champion on behalf of the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the entire NSC staff.

    He described the incident as tragic and heartbreaking, while thanking God for Joshua’s survival. The accident claimed the lives of Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and his personal trainer, Kevin Latif Ayodele.

    “On behalf of the National Sports Commission and the entire Nigerian sports family, I express my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate accident,” Olopade said.

    “We thank God for the life of Anthony Joshua. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers, and we wish him a full and speedy return to good health.”

    Olopade also used the occasion to stress the importance of road safety, urging motorists to exercise patience, caution, and responsibility at all times.

  • Why we appointed Ooni as Chancellor of our state-owned varsity – Zulum 

    Why we appointed Ooni as Chancellor of our state-owned varsity – Zulum 

    …don’t make me figure head—Ooni

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has said the appointment of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as Chancellor of the state-owned university renamed Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, was aimed at strengthening the age-old bond between the Ile-Ife Empire and the Kanem-Bornu Empire.

    Zulum also noted that the Borno State Government recognised the Ooni’s contributions to the promotion of educational development across the country.

    Speaking at the Ooni’s palace on Tuesday, the governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, appealed to the monarch to leverage his influence, experience and network to support the growth and development of the institution.

    Read Also: Court grants interim forfeiture order on N1.1bn allegedly diverted from Kano state’s account

    According to him, “We are here to present to His Imperial Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, his appointment letter as the Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri. Oba Ogunwusi is a royal father with vast experience, not only in the education sector but in other endeavours of life.”

    “The Ooni of Ife is not only a royal father in South West Nigeria; he is a royal father in the whole of Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa. The kingdom of Kanem-Bornu Empire

    and the Ife Kingdom goes a very long way together. 

    “Both kingdoms are old kingdoms in Africa that have been there for more than 1,000 years and we rekindle this traditional relations by this appointment.”

    Responding to his appointment, he applauded the Borno State government for finding him worthy of the appointment as he vowed that he would add value to the development and realisation of the institution’s vision. 

    He also traced the relationship between the Ile-Ife kingdom and Kanem-Bornu Empire, disclosing that their progenitors were cousins and they remain one of the oldest empire in Africa which were never invaded by external forces.

    He said “I will not let you down, I will bring value to the realisation of the vision of the university. I am very passionate about education. This same energy and passion that I am using for my own university and University of Nigeria, I will bring to your university. 

    “I have strong connection with Kanem-Bornu we are cousins, we have strong bond, we have a lot of things in common. We are the only kingdom that was never overtaken by Uthman Dan fodio movement. If you go down the history, we are the two oldest kingdom. 

    “You are welcoming me back home. I love dynamism, don’t make me a figure head chancellor, I want to add value, you should give me tasks to deliver, I will do it gladly.”

  • NDDC budget must meet aspiration of Niger Delta people, says Reps committee 

    NDDC budget must meet aspiration of Niger Delta people, says Reps committee 

    The House of Representatives committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) said on Tuesday that the budget of the commission must speak directly to the aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta by addressing longstanding developmental gaps, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring that no community is left behind.

    Speaking at the budget defence of the NDDC, Chairman of the Committee Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu said the Commission’s  budget remains the principal vehicle through which the federal government delivers meaningful development to the people of the Niger Delta, saying “for our communities, this budget represents hope, opportunity, and the promise of a better quality of life. 

    “As a Committee, we recognise that our duty goes beyond mere approval; it is our responsibility to subject this budget to rigorous scrutiny to ensure that every allocation translates into tangible outcomes for the people particularly in infrastructure development, human capacity development, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion.

    Read Also: NDDC submits N1.75trn 2025 budget to Senate as lawmakers plan project inspection

    “It is important to clearly state that the 2025 NDDC Budget will not be business as usual. Every line item must be purposeful, people-centred, and strategically aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria. 

    “This budget must speak directly to the aspirations of the Niger Delta people by addressing longstanding developmental gaps, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring that no community is left behind.

    “In line with this commitment, the House Committee on NDDC will continue to offer its unwavering and constructive support to the Commission, while also demanding accountability, transparency, and value for money in the execution of approved projects and programmes.”

    In his remarks, Managing Director of NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku said the Commission has moved from being transactional to transformational, and transformation is practical, saying “in this practicality of transformation, we thought it has to be all encompassing, from areas of youth training, areas of supporting our entrepreneurs, areas of Infrastructure and development. 

    “In line with the promise of the present Management to make the 2025 Budget participatory which is evident of why we are here has been to give the Niger Delta region, a new dawn of progress and development.

    Giving a review of the 2024 NDDC budget, he said “an aggregate revenue of N1.911 trillion naira wes projected to fund the 2024 Budget “Budget of Renewed Hope”. This comprise Overhead costs of N76.77 billion and Capital cost of N1.820 trillion.

    “As of October 31st, 2025, the Commission’s actual revenue stood at N1.945 trillion, exceeding the target of N1.911 trillion for April 2024 – September 2025 by 104%. This was largely due to the extension of the 2024 budget to December 31st, 2025. 

    “Due to extension of the capital budget, the performance of the overhead budget as shown in the above table for both 2024 and 2005 fiscal year. 

    “For the 2025 Budget, our main goal is to strengthen our foundation for sustainable economic growth, marking a snl from transactional to transformational approaches. A key focus is sectoral funding allocation, moving away from line-item budgeting that hindered contractors from resuming projects. 

    “The 2025 Budget, themed “Budget of Consolidation’, proposes N1.75 trillion based on revenue assumptions. This represents a 9% decrease from 2024, driven by  no-borrowing approach. 

    “The proposed personnel budget estimates for 2025 personnel is N47.5 Billion. We shall sustain our efforts in managing our overhead costs. Accordingly, Overhead costs are projected at N96.4 Billion. 

    “Investing in critical infrastructure is a key component of our fiscal strategy under the 2025 Budget Proposals. The present Management are renavigating its process of intervention by adopting Public-Private-Partnership model as a vehicle to drive a sustainable development in the Niger Delta Region. 

    “Our fiscal reforms shail introduce new performance management frameworks to regulate the overhead cost. Accordingly, only activities that are tied to measurable programmes will be approved. We have moved away from the previously line tem budgeting system to sectoral allocation of fund to encourage confident. 

  • JUST IN: NNPP appoints Abiya as Kano acting chairman amid leadership shake-up

    JUST IN: NNPP appoints Abiya as Kano acting chairman amid leadership shake-up

    Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya has emerged as the Acting State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State, following the sacking of former chairman Hashimu Dungurawa.

    The NNPP State Executive Committee endorsed Abiya’s appointment at an emergency meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Kano.

    Read Also: NDDC submits N1.75trn 2025 budget to Senate as lawmakers plan project inspection

    The decision was announced by Yusuf Mukhtar, the party’s Assistant Legal Adviser, citing the NNPP constitution

    The development followed the submission of a formal resolution on Dungurawa’s sacking by the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Executive Committee, which accused him of anti-party activitie

    Abiya pledged the party’s commitment to justice, loyalty to national leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and support for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

  • Chelle challenges Super Eagles ahead of knockout tie  

    Chelle challenges Super Eagles ahead of knockout tie  

    Coach Eric Sekou Chelle believes the Super Eagles can only get better at the on-gong  Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, after Saturday’s nervy 3-2 win over Tunisia in Fes.

    The Super Eagles  put on an impressive display of attacking prowess with Victor Osimhen opening  the scoring a minute before halftime and captain Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman added two more after the break. But Tunisia staged a late comeback with goals from defenders Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi that set up a nervy finish.

    Victory on Saturday sealed Super Eagles’ qualification  to the 16th  Round even with one first-round fixture still to play against Uganda  tomorrow.

    Smarting from that  hard-fought  win against Tunisia on Saturday, Chelle has the Super Eagles to  learn  how to manage games better while also praising the team’s intensity in the encounter.

    Read Also: AFCON 2025: Arabinrin Aderonke praises Super Eagles after victory over Tunisia

     “These are the situations that help a team grow; we must learn how to manage games better until the final whistle,” The Franco Malian coach said . “Our identity is based on intensity, aggression without the ball and speed when we regain possession. For most of the game, the players executed that very well.

     “It is never easy to respond when momentum shifts, but the players stayed united and disciplined. That mentality is very important in tournament football.”

    He added:  “We have quality going forward but at this level, small details matter. We must remain focused from the first minute to the last.”

    Speaking in the same vein,  Ademola Lookman, who  won the Man-of-the-Match award  following his excellent display  with a goal and  two assists, was proud of the team’s resilience.

    He said: “We showed character when the game became difficult. These are the moments that define teams in tournaments like this. We are building strong connections on the pitch. Everyone understands their role, and that makes our play more fluid and dangerous.”

     “The coach gives us belief and clear instructions. When you know exactly what is expected, it becomes easier to express yourself.”

  • AFCON 2025: Emenike, Omeruo spot holes in Super Eagles’ campaign

    AFCON 2025: Emenike, Omeruo spot holes in Super Eagles’ campaign

    Former Nigeria internationals and 2013 AFCON  winners, Emmanuel Emenike and  Kenneth Omeruo, have both pin-pointed  areas  the Super Eagles need improvement in their drive to succeed at the on-going  AFCON  2025 in Morocco.

    While Omeruo  advised the coach Eric Sekou Chelle-led side to pluck  its leaky  defence that has conceded three goals in two matches, Emenike feels the team need  some tactical readjustment so that its  talented players can function effectively.  

    Nigeria opened  their Group C campaign  with a narrow 2-1 victory over Tanzania, where a lapse in concentration allowed Charles M’Mombwa to equalise before Ademola Lookman found the winner. On Saturday, the Super Eagles raced to a 3-0 lead through Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman but the defence was breached twice with late strikes from Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi in a 3-2 win against Tunisia.

    “The defence is still porous and we must stop conceding,” Omeruo, speaking on Afrosports as an analyst, said. “It is something the coach must work on in subsequent games. The attack we know is solid, but we can’t keep on conceding goals like we have done so far.”

    Yet Emenike, the  2023 AFCON top scorer, was even more forthcoming on the team’s tactical approach even as he  asked Franco-Malian coach Chelle to design the best strategy in order to bring out the best in the players.

    Read Also: NIS DG Shaibu congratulates Super Eagles on AFCON round of 16 qualification

     “I think we have a lot of good players but what we don’t have is a game plan; I think we need a game plan,” the  former  West Ham and Olympiacos striker reportedly  said on the ATHLST podcast. “It’s not about throwing players, especially big players like Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen. You need to tell them what you want from them.

     “I like the coach anyway. I was one of the guys who voted for him but at the end of the day, we need to know what the game plan is( because when Tanzania played, they had a game plan).”

    “They had the Super Eagles on one side of the pitch before eventually switching the ball to the other side, so they could take on our players one-on-one.

     “They tried to exploit Zaidu Sanusi a lot and their goal came from that. That’s what I’m talking about.

     “We have a lot of top players in our team, but what I’m seeing is that there’s no game plan,” Emenike noted.

    The Super Eagles will  round up  their Group C  campaign with a clash against  another East African side, Uganda, in Fes tomorrow.

  • 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have reportedly agreed to double the Super Eagles’ bonus  for the Round of 16  at  the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

    The NFF had proposed $15,000-a-man in the event the Super Eagles reached the knockout rounds of the tournament, a figure  the team flatly rejected.

    But according to SCORENigeria, the players’ demand of $30,000 each have now been agreed  by the NFF.

     “They have agreed to pay what the players want,” a source informed.

    The bonuses for the later rounds of the competition have also been agreed with the team.

    Read Also: AFCON 2025: Arabinrin Aderonke praises Super Eagles after victory over Tunisia

    In a related development, the Super Eagles are now $25,000 richer thanks to the goals bonus promised the team at the 2025 AFCON.

    Each goal in Morocco will fetch the Eagles $5,000 and thus far they have fired five goals, which translates to $25, 000 in the team’s purse.

    They are so far the highest scoring team in Morocco after two rounds of matches.

    At last year’s AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, the Super Eagles found goals hard to come by because of their defensive approach to the tournament under coach Jose Peseiro.

    Under Eric Chelle now, they are getting the goals and could even have scored more had they been more efficient in front of goal.

    However, while the Eagles of the 2023 AFCON paraded a stingy defence, the current team have yet to record a clean sheet as they have let in three goals in two matches with the same goalkeeper from last year – Stanley Nwabali.

  • Goldberg leads celebration as Super Eagles hit 16th  Round

    Goldberg leads celebration as Super Eagles hit 16th  Round

     ‘Our Beat, Our Gold’ took centre stage on Saturday as Goldberg Lager Beer celebrated Nigeria’s 3–2 victory over Tunisia, turning the Super Eagles’ qualification for the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations into a shared fan experience rooted in football, culture and the easy excitement of Detty December.

    At the expansive Ilubirin Way in Lagos, the sight was unmistakable. Fans gathered early, many with bottles and cans of ice-cold Goldberg Lager Beer in hand, settling into a relaxed but engaging viewing environment designed to bring the match-day experience closer to the people.

    The open-air venue was carefully set up with large screens, music and branded spaces, creating a comfortable setting where supporters could watch the decisive group match together.

    As the Super Eagles confirmed their place in the knockout phase, cheers and applause rippled through the crowd. Bottles were raised in celebration, with fans toasting both the result and the team’s steady progress in the tournament. The moment captured the calm satisfaction and pride that followed the final whistle.

    The evening drew a mix of celebrities and culture figures who blended seamlessly into the crowd. Actor Kunle Remi, actress Shaffy Bello and DJ Kay Wise were among those present, enjoying the match alongside supporters, drinks in hand, and contributing to the sense of shared occasion rather than spectacle.

    Entertainment was thoughtfully woven into the programme. The Awajo dance group delivered an energetic performance between match moments, while MC Advantage guided the flow of the evening, engaging the audience without taking attention away from the football. Throughout the night, fans moved easily between watching the game, socialising and enjoying chilled Goldberg beers.

    Read Also: NIS DG Shaibu congratulates Super Eagles on AFCON round of 16 qualification

    Former Super Eagles striker and AFCON winner Brown Ideye also attended, sharing in the experience with fans and briefly interacting with supporters who welcomed the chance to connect with a familiar face from Nigeria’s football history.

    Food and drinks flowed steadily across the venue, complemented by light games and predict-and-win activities that rewarded fans with branded gifts and kept the atmosphere lively without overwhelming the match itself.

     “Our Beat, Our Gold is about recognising how Nigerians experience football together,” said Kunle Aroyehun, Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg. “It’s not always about noise or spectacle. Sometimes it’s about creating the right space for people to connect, share emotions and enjoy the game the way they naturally do — with good company and an ice-cold Goldberg.”

    Aroyehun noted that Goldberg’s approach reflects the natural rhythm of Nigerian football culture. “Whether the Super Eagles are winning or preparing for the next challenge, the fans remain central. Their presence, their conversations and their belief are what give meaning to the game.”

    Goldberg’s involvement in Nigerian football is supported by its long-standing partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The brand is one of the longest unbroken corporate sponsors on the NFF’s stable, following the partnership signed by Nigerian Breweries Plc on February 1, 2018. Since then, Goldberg has consistently mobilised football fans and consumers to stand behind the national team, helping drive a surge in Super Eagles followership comparable to leading European club sides.

    Fans at Ilubirin Way described the experience as balanced and welcoming. “It was well organised,” said Adesayo Bankonle, one of the attendees. “You could watch the match, talk football and enjoy a cold Goldberg without feeling rushed or crowded.”

    Beyond Ilubirin, Goldberg is igniting AFCON excitement across multiple viewing centres in Lagos and beyond, ensuring fans in different communities can enjoy the tournament together — always with the familiar taste of Goldberg close at hand.

    Even with the Super Eagles already through to the Round of 16, anticipation remains high ahead of the December 30 clash against Uganda. For many fans, the appeal goes beyond the result.

     “With Goldberg, match days always feel complete,” one supporter said.

    As AFCON continues, Goldberg says it will remain committed to keeping football, culture and community connected — celebrating the shared rhythm that defines Our Beat, Our Gold, one match and one ice-cold bottle at a time.