The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • India’s new envoy presents credentials to Tinubu, pledges stronger ties with Nigeria

    India’s new envoy presents credentials to Tinubu, pledges stronger ties with Nigeria

    India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Abhishek Singh, has formally presented his Letter of Credence to President Bola  Tinubu.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Abuja on Friday, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    It says Singh, who has assumed duties, was warmly received by Tinubu, who congratulated him and extended his best wishes to him throughout his tour of duty in Nigeria.

    The High Commissioner reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing strategic partnership with Nigeria.

    He also expressed confidence in the continued expansion of cooperation between India and Nigeria across key sectors including trade, technology, energy, and development.

    The Indian envoy said that he was committed to deepening Indo-Nigerian bilateral relations and advancing shared priorities between both countries in the years ahead.

    (NAN)

  • Antar Laniyan reveals unusual birth story, name’s origin

    Antar Laniyan reveals unusual birth story, name’s origin

    Actor Antar Laniyan has shared the extraordinary story behind his name, revealing that he remained in his mother’s womb for 18 months, leading to an unusual method to induce labour.

    In an interview on ‘Behind The Fame’, Laniyan disclosed that his mother was advised to eat a lizard-like creature called “Anta” to facilitate his birth.

    According to Laniyan, the prolonged pregnancy had people worried, suspecting spiritual issues rather than medical concerns.

    He said his mother followed the advice, consuming the dish, and he was born an hour later.

    As a result, she named him after the creature, a name he has proudly shared to highlight the sacrifices his mothers made.

    Laniyan also revealed that his original name was altered in primary school due to teasing from classmates, leading him to add an “R” to make it Antar, the version known today.

    In his words, “There’s a story behind it, and I like telling it at times because I want every individual to know the importance of having a mother: a good mother, a great one.

    “The kind of things that our mother passed through before they gave birth to us individually, we do not know because we were not there. But when a mother goes into telling you how you came to be, you will weep for yourself.

    “I overstayed in my mother’s womb; I stayed 18 months, according to her. People around were wondering what was wrong. I mean, something must have gone wrong, not medically. So it could be spiritual. She had to eat something in Yoruba called Anta. It looks like a lizard, smaller than a crocodile.

    “So my mother didn’t see anything wrong with adding that thing to my name. She had to take it. They had to prepare it for her. She took it. An hour later, I came. When I got to primary school and my friends were playing with the name, I added an R to make it Antar.”

  • Senate hails CBN over falling inflation, forex stability

    Senate hails CBN over falling inflation, forex stability

    The Senate on Thursday commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for what it described as a remarkable turnaround in key macroeconomic indicators, including sustained disinflation, exchange rate stability, rising external reserves, and renewed investor confidence. 

    Lawmakers also welcomed the Bank’s positive projections for 2026, noting that Nigeria’s economic fundamentals have strengthened significantly under ongoing monetary and structural reforms.

    The commendation came during the second statutory engagement of the year between the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions and the apex bank, held in Abuja.

    Chairman of the committee, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (APC-Lagos East), in his opening remarks, before the meeting went into closed-door session, said recent economic data show that the CBN’s reforms are yielding tangible results, with inflation declining steadily from its peak and the naira maintaining stability across markets.

    Abiru praised the CBN for steering inflation down to about 16 per cent as of October 2025, a sharp drop from the pressures of the past two years.

    He said the stability in the foreign exchange market, convergence of rates, and improved liquidity have strengthened business planning and boosted investor confidence.

    He also highlighted the steady growth in external reserves, now above $46.7 billion, which he said provides “stronger buffers against external shocks and reinforces Nigeria’s creditworthiness.”

    The Senator further commended the apex bank for its role in securing improved sovereign ratings from global agencies Fitch and S&P.

    On monetary policy, Abiru noted the CBN’s decision to retain the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 27 per cent while adjusting the standing facility corridor, saying it reflects a delicate balance between anchoring inflation expectations and supporting credit expansion.

    But the Committee Chairman also raised issues requiring clarification, including the 2026 timeline for banking sector recapitalisation, the clearing of outstanding FX forwards, and lingering concerns about mutilated naira notes, excessive bank charges, cyber risks in the digital finance space, and the controversial Auditor-General’s report on unremitted operating surplus allegedly involving N1.44 trillion.

    Responding, CBN Governor Dr. Olayemi Cardoso delivered a detailed report on macroeconomic performance in the second half of 2025 and the outlook for 2026, affirming that Nigeria’s economic recovery is firm and broad-based.

    Cardoso said despite global headwinds, ranging from geopolitical tensions to fluctuations in oil prices, Nigeria has “consolidated macroeconomic stability, strengthened financial markets, and improved monetary policy effectiveness.”

    He stated that the Bank’s inflation-targeting transition, tighter monetary stance, and FX market reforms have restored credibility to monetary policy.

    According to him, real GDP grew by 3.98 per cent in the third quarter of 2025, driven by crop production, ICT, real estate, and financial services, while the Purchasing Managers’ Index reached 56.4 points in November, its highest level in five years, indicating stronger output growth.

    On inflation, Cardoso reported that headline inflation has fallen for seven consecutive months, down from 34.6 per cent in November 2024 to 16.05 per cent in October 2025, the lowest in three years.

    Food inflation, he said, has also dropped significantly to 13.12 per cent, easing pressure on household consumption and business operations.

    The Governor emphasised that the benefits of the CBN’s reforms are most evident in the foreign exchange market, where stability has returned, and arbitrage opportunities have largely disappeared.

    He said the gap between the official and parallel market rates has narrowed to under 2 per cent, compared to over 60 per cent a year ago.

    “As of November 26, the naira traded at N1,442.92/$ at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, an improvement from the first-half average.

    “Foreign reserves have surged to $46.7 billion, the highest in almost seven years, while diaspora remittances have risen by 66.7 per cent to about $600 million per month,” he said.

    Perhaps the most significant achievement, he noted, was the clearance of the $7 billion FX backlog, which has restored investor confidence and catalysed foreign capital inflows.

    Nigeria recorded $20.98 billion in capital inflows in the first 10 months of 2025—a 70 per cent increase over the entire 2024 figure and a 428 per cent jump from 2023.

    Cardoso also confirmed strong gains in the external sector, including an 85 per cent improvement in the current account balance and a dramatic narrowing of the balance of payments deficit by over 90 per cent in Q2 2025.

    On the financial system, he said the banking recapitalisation programme is “firmly on track,” with 27 banks raising capital and 16 already meeting or exceeding the new thresholds ahead of the March 31, 2026, deadline. The stock market, he added, has surged by 19 per cent between June and November due to renewed investor confidence.

    He also highlighted advances in digital finance, including the extension of the Payment System Vision Roadmap to 2028, the rollout of over 12 million contactless cards, the expansion of the regulatory sandbox to 40 fintechs, and progress in interoperability and cybersecurity.

    Looking ahead, Cardoso declared that “the outlook for 2026 is positive.”

    He projected further moderation in inflation, sustained exchange-rate stability, stronger banking-sector resilience, and continued reforms to bolster payment infrastructure, liquidity management, and prudential oversight.

    The CBN, he assured the Senate, will remain vigilant amid global uncertainties but is confident that Nigeria’s strengthened economic foundations will mitigate risks and sustain recovery.

    With both arms of government aligned on economic direction, the Senate expressed optimism that the reforms will deliver lasting stability, growth, and improved living standards for Nigerians.

  • Tinubu reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to global peace

    Tinubu reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to global peace

    …as 21 new envoys present credentials

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global peace, stability, and shared prosperity as he received Letters of Credence from 17 ambassadors and four high commissioners newly posted to the country.

    The ceremony, held at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, brought together envoys representing countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. 

    It marked one of the largest single-day credential presentations of the Tinubu administration.

    Welcoming the diplomats, President Tinubu said Nigeria remains steadfast in strengthening partnerships to address common global challenges, including insecurity, climate pressures, economic instability, and humanitarian concerns.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said, “On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I warmly welcome you to the State House, and I congratulate you on your appointments as the official representatives of your respective countries”.

    “Nigeria values the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership across all regions of the world. Your accreditation today reaffirms the depth of our bilateral ties and our shared commitment to expand cooperation and partnership in areas of mutual interest”, he said.

    Tinubu said his administration is focused on consolidating democratic institutions, advancing economic reforms, and creating a conducive environment for investment, innovation, and sustainable development. 

    He encouraged the new envoys to engage closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, education, technology, defence, and cultural exchange.

    “The global community faces evolving challenges. Nigeria is ready to work closely with your governments to promote peace, stability, and prosperity,” he said, assuring them of his administration’s “open-door policy” and full support as they begin their tours of duty.

    Speaking on behalf of the diplomats, the Ambassador of Japan, Mr. Suzuki Hideo, described the ceremony as historic, noting Nigeria’s influential role in ECOWAS and on the African continent.

    He commended President Tinubu’s “visionary leadership” and ongoing reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, strengthening the fiscal framework, and attracting investment.

    “Your bold reforms, being implemented to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal framework, attract investment and promote inclusiveness, are highly recognised,” Hideo said.

    He also praised the administration’s intensified counter-terrorism strategies and commitment to national security, adding that Nigeria today “stands as a beacon of resilience and promise.”

    The ambassadors who presented their Letters of Credence included Mr. Suzuki Hideo (Japan); Brah Mahamat (Chad); Rodolf Estime Lekogo (Gabon); Mehmet Poroy (Türkiye); Muhannad M.A. Alhammouri (Palestine); Felix Costales Artioda (Spain); and Banbang Suharto (Indonesia).

    Others were Ba Abdoulaaye Mamadou (Mauritania); Peter Guschelbauer (Austria); Thirapath Mongkolnavin (Thailand); Anna Westerholm (Sweden); Tomas Vyprachticky (Czech Republic); John Ballout Jr. (Liberia); and Michal Cygan (Poland).

    Also received were Mr. Roberto Mengoni (Italy); Mr. Martins Podostavek (Slovakia); Mr. Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja (Iran); and Mrs. Juliette Bynoe Sutherland, the Non-Resident High Commissioner of Barbados.

    Four new high commissioners—Miah M.D. Mainul Kabir (Bangladesh); Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmod (Ghana); Abheshek Singh (India); and Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmod (Ghana)—also formally assumed their diplomatic responsibilities.

  • 2026 edition: Amafibe highlights plans for 100 most notable Africans summit in Morocco

    2026 edition: Amafibe highlights plans for 100 most notable Africans summit in Morocco

    The Project Director Africa, Amb. Dr. Kingsley Amafibe has announced that preparations are in full swing for the 2026 edition of the 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit. 

    The event, organised by the Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation and 100 Most Notable Peace Icon Africa, is scheduled to be held in Marrakech, Morocco, from June 19 to 21, 2026.

    Speaking in a statement on Tuesday, Amafibe revealed that the summit will carry the theme: “Uniting Africa’s Change Makers for Growth and Impact: A Gate to Sustainable Development.” 

    The event will feature the conferment of honours on the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa, recognising individuals whose contributions have significantly shaped governance, business, innovation, and community development across the continent.

    Amafibe described the summit as one of Africa’s key platforms for fostering collaboration, promoting leadership excellence, and driving initiatives with lasting impact. 

    He added that the 2026 edition is expected to attract high-level delegates, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, and peace advocates from across Africa and beyond.

    The 2024 and 2025 editions of the summit were held in Kigali, Rwanda, where new members were also inducted into the African-Asian Chamber of Commerce, strengthening cross-continental partnerships and economic cooperation.

    Organisers expressed optimism that the Morocco summit will further discussions and actions toward Africa’s sustainable development goals while celebrating achievements across various sectors.

  • Suspected gunmen kidnap APC chieftain in Ibadan

    Suspected gunmen kidnap APC chieftain in Ibadan

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Hon. Wale Oriade, has been kidnapped by suspected gunmen in Ibadan, the capital city.

    The incident, it was gathered, occurred around 7:10 PM on Wednesday at PJ Square Shopping Complex, beside NNPC Elewure, Iyana Ajanla, Akala Express, New Garage, Ibadan, where Oriade operates his office.

    Eyewitness accounts confirmed that the attackers arrived in a blue Micra vehicle with two occupants — a driver and a gunman, who was said to have forcibly seized the APC chieftain and whisked him away in the same vehicle. 

    The nature of the attack and the precision with which it was carried out have caused deep concern within his community.

    Sources explained that, after the kidnap operation, the victim was whisked to an unknown destination yet to be ascertained at the time of filing the reports.

    Also, no link has been established, nor has ransom been demanded from the families and political associates of the kidnapped victim.

    Confirming the incident, the APC Oyo state, in a statement signed by Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, Senatorial Chairman, APC Oyo South, and Hon. John Aremu, State Youth Leader, APC Oyo State, requested the immediate intervention of the Nigeria Police Force.

    It called on the Police authorities to launch a swift, coordinated, and intelligence-driven rescue operation to ensure the safe and unharmed return of Hon. Oriade.

    The statement read, “A timely rescue will not only bring relief to Hon. Oriade’s family also reassure the people of Oyo State that the Police Command remains proactive and committed to the protection of lives and property.

    “The Oyo State APC appreciates the efforts of the Command in maintaining law and order and urges heightened vigilance during this critical time.”

    Also, the former Senate leader and Chieftain of the APC, Senator Teslim Folarin, condemned the kidnapping of Oyo APC Chieftain, describing the incident as shocking and unacceptable.

    He called on security agencies to intensify efforts and ensure the immediate and safe rescue of Oriade.

    The statement reads in part, “This is a deeply troubling development. I urge our security operatives to deploy all necessary intelligence and resources to secure his prompt release. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

    Folarin also reiterated the need for tighter security collaboration across Oyo State to curb the growing wave of kidnappings and appealed to residents to remain calm while providing credible information that could aid the rescue operation.

  • Youth in Creativity empowers Lagos students for the creative economy

    Youth in Creativity empowers Lagos students for the creative economy

    Hundreds of students, industry professionals, and government officials gathered at Yaba College of Technology for Youth in Creativity 1.0, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative designed to equip young Lagosians with the skills, mentorship, and inspiration to thrive in Nigeria’s fast-growing creative economy.

    The programme, organised by visionary entrepreneur Eziada Folashade Balogun under the Black History & Lifestyle Awards (BHLA) platform, offered a mix of workshops, mentorship sessions, panel discussions, and empowerment giveaways. 

    With creativity now one of the most valuable global skills, spanning digital content, media, fashion, design, tech, and storytelling, the initiative aimed to provide students with a platform to explore, develop, and express their creative abilities in meaningful ways.

    In her keynote, Folashade Balogun emphasized that creativity is no longer a side hustle, but a driving force of the modern economy. She encouraged participants to dream boldly, learn fearlessly, and create relentlessly. 

    “When young people are given access, guidance, and support,” she said, “they can build careers, start businesses, tell their stories, and shape the future of their communities, one idea, one skill, and one young mind at a time.”

  • FULL LIST: Footballers with most goals scored in a calendar year

    FULL LIST: Footballers with most goals scored in a calendar year

    Football has witnessed some extraordinary goal-scoring feats, but only a select few players have produced calendar-year numbers so outrageous they almost defy belief. From modern superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, and Kylian Mbappé to legendary icons such as Pelé, Gerd Müller, Romário, and Zico, the sport’s most prolific finishers have delivered seasons that rewrote what was thought possible in front of goal. Their records span different generations, leagues, and playing styles—but each year on this list represents a level of individual dominance rarely seen in world football.

    These incredible tallies were forged through consistency, clinical finishing, and an unmatched hunger to score. They came in years when the world’s best strikers were at the peak of their powers, shattering domestic and international records alike. From Messi’s jaw-dropping 91-goal masterpiece in 2012 to Mbappé’s current chase of a 70-goal year.

    Here are the top 11 greatest goal-scoring calendar years the game has ever witnessed:

    11. Cristiano Ronaldo – 61 Goals (2014)

    At the height of his Real Madrid era, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered one of the most devastating goal-scoring years of his career in 2014, finishing with 61 strikes across all competitions. His Champions League campaign was especially spectacular—he fired in 14 goals, topping the scoring charts as Madrid lifted the trophy for the first time in over a decade.

    Although Portugal’s 2014 World Cup campaign was largely forgettable, Ronaldo still found the net in their 2–1 victory over Ghana. By this period, hitting astronomical numbers had become routine for him, further cementing his status as one of football’s most prolific finishers.

    10. Kylian Mbappé – 62 Goals (2025)

    Kylian Mbappé’s first full year at Real Madrid has been a whirlwind of goals. As of December 4, 2025, he has already struck 62 times, with four matches left to inflate that total—meaning a 70-goal year is within reach.

    The French superstar has torn La Liga apart with 16 goals in 15 games and has been unplayable in the Champions League, scoring nine times in only five appearances. His first season in Spain ended trophyless, but his personal numbers never dipped; in 2025, he has elevated them even further.

    9. Cristiano Ronaldo – 63 Goals (2012)

    Ronaldo’s 2012 season unfolded like a highlight reel, forming one of the peak chapters of his rivalry with Lionel Messi. He finished the year with 63 goals, inspired Real Madrid to a record 100-point La Liga title, and registered 46 league goals in 38 matches.

    At Euro 2012, he dragged Portugal into the semi-finals with crucial goals against the Netherlands and Czechia. Although he didn’t clinch the Ballon d’Or that year, the brilliance of his 2012 campaign set the stage for the awards that would follow.

    8. Cristiano Ronaldo – 69 Goals (2013)

    A year later, Ronaldo went even bigger. In 2013, he amassed 69 goals, dominating both La Liga and the Champions League. He finished as Europe’s top marksman with 12 goals in that season’s UCL and maintained monstrous consistency throughout the calendar year.

    Despite Real Madrid not celebrating many team trophies that year, Ronaldo’s individual form reached its apex, earning him the Ballon d’Or and yet another place near the summit of all-time goalscoring seasons.

    7. Robert Lewandowski – 69 Goals (2021)

    Robert Lewandowski’s 2021 campaign was nothing short of historic. The Bayern Munich striker shattered Gerd Müller’s long-standing Bundesliga record by scoring 41 league goals in a single season, and ended the calendar year with 69 goals overall.

    He added another German record by scoring 43 Bundesliga goals in the year 2021 alone and finished as Europe’s top scorer. For Poland, he was equally impactful, netting three goals at the European Championships and continuing his scoring streak in World Cup qualifiers. Many still argue he deserved the Ballon d’Or that year.

    6. Romário – 72 Goals (2000)

    Romário rolled back the years in 2000 with a phenomenal tally of 72 goals. The Vasco da Gama star looked unstoppable, punishing defences with the same killer instinct that had defined his prime.

    Returning to the Brazilian national team after a long absence, he announced his comeback in style with a hat-trick against Bolivia and four more goals against Venezuela. Questions remain over the exact breakdown of his club goals that year, but his dominance in competitions like the Carioca Championship and Copa do Brasil is undisputed.

    5. Zico – 72 Goals (1979)

    Zico, often labelled the forgotten genius among Brazil’s greats, delivered a masterpiece of a year in 1979. Playing as an attacking midfielder, he racked up an astonishing 72 goals—numbers unheard of for a non-striker.

    He guided Flamengo to an undefeated state championship and finished as the top scorer with 34 goals. Internationally, Brazil reached the Copa América semi-finals, though Zico curiously did not feature in the decisive matches. Still, 1979 remains one of the clearest demonstrations of his extraordinary talent.

    4. Pelé – 72 Goals (1965)

    Even in the middle years of his career, Pelé was a force of nature. In 1965, he produced another breathtaking season with 72 goals, many of them in friendlies that remain subject to debate.

    Regardless, his influence was undeniable as he tore through both domestic competition with Santos and international fixtures with Brazil. His brilliance in 1965 helped reinforce his reputation as the most complete attacking player the sport had ever seen.

    3. Pelé – 75 Goals (1958)

    If one year encapsulates Pelé’s early greatness, it is 1958. Then just 17, he stormed the World Cup with six goals—including a semi-final hat-trick—and added two more in Brazil’s iconic 5–2 victory over Sweden in the final.

    At the club level, he was equally sensational, scoring 58 goals as Santos captured the league title. His 1958 campaign remains one of the most famous individual seasons in football history and an enduring reminder of his precocious genius.

    2. Gerd Müller – 85 Goals (1972)

    For four decades, Gerd Müller stood alone at the pinnacle of calendar-year scoring. In 1972, “Der Bomber” accumulated 85 goals, terrorising defenders for Bayern Munich and West Germany alike.

    He hit 20 goals for his country, including a decisive brace in the European Championship final against the USSR, while his 65 goals for Bayern helped secure the Bundesliga title and another Golden Boot. Müller’s 1972 remains one of the most extraordinary scoring feats ever achieved.

    1. Lionel Messi – 91 Goals (2012)

    At the summit is Lionel Messi’s legendary 2012 campaign—a year so absurd it may never be matched. Messi tallied 91 goals for club and country, smashing Müller’s long-held record and producing one of the greatest statistical seasons in sports history.

    He scored 79 times for Barcelona, breaking the club’s all-time scoring record, and added 12 goals for Argentina. Though Barça failed to win La Liga or the Champions League that year, Messi still collected the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, and Club World Cup.

    His 50 league goals also remain the highest single-season tally in La Liga history. Even in an era of freakish goalscorers, Messi’s 2012 stands alone.

  • FG tasks 464 foreign-trained Med Lab scientists on professionalism, patriotism

    FG tasks 464 foreign-trained Med Lab scientists on professionalism, patriotism

    The federal government has again stressed integrity, professionalism, and patriotism in the healthcare workforce as the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) inducted 464 newly qualified foreign-trained medical laboratory scientists in Abuja on Thursday.

    The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the ceremony symbolised a collective pledge to national service and strengthened diagnostic systems

    With new professionals entering the field, he insisted that the country’s diagnostic backbone must be strengthened through ethics, patriotism, and unwavering professionalism.

    “As you take up your roles, I urge you to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Let precision define your work and let ethical conduct guide your actions.

    “Resist all forms of malpractice; reject quackery; and remember that the trust patients and clinicians place in you is a sacred responsibility.

    “Your work influences life-saving decisions; therefore, excellence must be your constant benchmark,” Salako said.

    He noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms under the Renewed Hope Health Sector Investment Initiative.

    He stressed that laboratory scientists sit at the heart of accurate diagnosis, public health surveillance, outbreak response, and treatment planning. 

    “Your competence inspires investor confidence, stimulates local production of diagnostic tools, and reduces reliance on imports,” he said.

    He assured that the government remains committed to improving regulation, strengthening training, and maintaining quality assurance nationwide, describing the induction as progress not only for MLSCN but for the entire health workforce.

    The Council’s Registrar and CEO, Dr. Donald Ofili, applauded the Federal government, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda has provided “a clear direction for building a competent, ethical, and future-ready health workforce.”

    He vowed that MLSCN would intensify efforts to enforce discipline, end quackery, and maintain global standards across the country. 

    He noted that the council’s disciplinary tribunal “remains active and will not hesitate to sanction practitioners found guilty of unethical or unsafe practices.”

    The Registrar further described the newly commissioned Golden Arena of MLSCN as a stronger, functional structure that will lower event costs and serve as a versatile venue for future inductions and major gatherings.

  • Super Eagles captain Ekong retires from international football

    Super Eagles captain Ekong retires from international football

    Super Eagles captain Williams Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football.

    In a heartfelt post on his official X page, the 32-year-old skipper wrote, “Honoured. Grateful. Forever a Super Eagle. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”

    Troost-Ekong retired with 83 caps, three medals, participation in five major tournaments, and a record as the highest goal-scoring defender in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) history with five goals.

    The Super Eagles are preparing for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, aiming to clinch the title for the fourth time after reaching the finals in the 2023 edition.