Author: The Nation

  • Bremen’s Lynen rues  Boniface’s knee setback

    Bremen’s Lynen rues  Boniface’s knee setback

    Werder Bremen midfielder Senne Lynen has expressed sympathy for Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface, who is set to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a serious knee injury.

    Boniface, who joined Werder Bremen on loan from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, is expected to undergo surgery, a move considered necessary to safeguard his long-term career. The setback has cut short what was meant to be a crucial campaign for the Nigerian striker.

    Lynen and Boniface share a close bond, having previously played together at Union Saint-Gilloise during the 2022 season, where both players rose to prominence in Belgium. Their reunion in Bremen had raised hopes of a strong on-field partnership before injury struck.

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    Speaking about his teammate’s condition, Lynen admitted he was saddened by the situation. “I feel sorry for him that he’s in so much pain. I last spoke to him before the break. I don’t know exactly what’s wrong, only that the injury is in his knee,” the Belgian midfielder said.

    Boniface’s absence has compounded Werder Bremen’s attacking struggles. The Bundesliga side has failed to score in their last three matches, highlighting the void left by the Nigerian forward’s unavailability.

    Despite the difficulties, Lynen remains optimistic that Bremen will find solutions. “The goals will come. It will take time, and I don’t know how much, but we’ll manage it,” he added.

    Ironically, Lynen himself holds an unwanted club record, having failed to score in 78 Bundesliga appearances for Werder Bremen.

  • MLS side Rapids  acquire Ojediran from Lens

    MLS side Rapids  acquire Ojediran from Lens

    The Colorado Rapids have  acquired midfielder Hamzat Ojediran from RC Lens of France’s Ligue 1.

    The 22-year-old Nigerian international is signed through 2028-29 with club options for 2029-30 and 2030-31.

    Ojediran will occupy an international roster slot for the Rapids, who open the season on Feb. 22 at Seattle.

    “Hamzat is a brilliant addition to the squad,” Rapids coach Matt Wells said. “He has the elite mentality, technical ability and physicality we need in order to compete at the highest level. He brings excellent experience of European football and his identity of breaking up play and stopping opposition counter-attacks will help us impose our dominant style.”

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

    Ojediran spent two seasons with RC Lens in the French top flight, logging one goal in 17 appearances.

    “We’re excited to bring a player of Hamzat’s calibre into our group,” Rapids president Padraig Smith said. “He brings outstanding physical presence, defensive discipline and explosiveness to our midfield. He’s an ideal fit for Matt’s system and is motivated and hungry to continue his own development and contribute to our success.”

    Ojediran spent two seasons with RC Lens in the French top flight, scoring one goal in 17 appearances.

    Ojediran began his professional career in Albania and also spent time on loan in

  • Heavily-fined Ibom Angels  to play  three home matches behind closed doors

    Heavily-fined Ibom Angels  to play  three home matches behind closed doors

    The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has come down hard on Ibom Angels FC, imposing a ₦2.5 million fine and ordering the club to play their next three home matches behind closed doors following violent crowd disturbances in Uyo.

    The sanctions stem from the NWFL Premiership Matchday 5 fixture against Bayelsa Queens, played on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, at the Uyo Township Stadium. 

    According to match officials’ reports and video evidence reviewed by the league, supporters of Ibom Angels invaded the pitch and assaulted players and officials of Bayelsa Queens.

    In a disciplinary ruling issued on Thursday, 8 January, the NWFL described the incident as a grave breach of its regulations and a direct threat to the safety of participants. The league cited multiple violations, including assault, intimidation and conduct capable of bringing the women’s league into disrepute.

    Read Also: Osimhen-Lookman Row: NFF  dismisses ruckus in Super  Eagles’ camp

    Ibom Angels were fined ₦1.5 million for contravening Article 26.1 of the NWFL regulations, which covers assault and offensive conduct, while an additional ₦1 million was imposed for failing to provide adequate security and for actions that damaged the image of the league.

    Beyond the financial penalty, the Akwa Ibom-based side has been ordered to play their next three home fixtures behind closed doors under Article 16.4 of the regulations. The affected matches are against Ekiti Queens, Edo Queens and Naija Ratels, scheduled between January and February.

    Reacting to the decision, NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, reaffirmed the league’s zero-tolerance stance on violence. She stressed that the safety of players, officials and match personnel remains non-negotiable, warning that repeat offences could lead to harsher punishments, including extended venue bans or further disciplinary action.

  • Algeria apologise after player mocks Congolese super fan

    Algeria apologise after player mocks Congolese super fan

    Algeria‘s football federation has apologised to a Congolese super fan who has become one of the stars of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) being held in Morocco.

    Michel Nkuka Mboladinga has supported the Democratic Republic of Congo by dressing up as the country’s revered first leader Patrice Lumumba and remaining stock-still throughout every match.

    He stood on a pedestal with his right arm raised – just like Lumumba’s famous statue in DR Congo’s capital, Kinshasa – as fans around him cheered.

    But after Algeria beat the Leopards on Tuesday, Algerian player Mohamed Amine Amoura faced a backlash for mimicking Mboladinga and falling to the ground as though the statue had been knocked over.

    This prompted the 25-year-old forward to post an apology on Instagram, saying his gesture was not intended to disrespect DR Congo.

    The Desert Foxes had looked like they were heading to penalties before Adil Boulbina scored in the 119th minute, securing a place in the quarter-finals where they face Nigeria on Saturday.

    “At that moment, I wasn’t aware of what the person or symbol in the stands represented. I simply wanted to joke around, in a good-natured way, without any ill intent or desire to provoke anyone,” said Amoura, who also plays for German team Wolfsburg.

    Lumumba is not only seen as a hero in DR Congo, where he was assassinated in 1961 in a plot backed by Belgium, the UK and the US, but is also regarded as one of the most prominent voices in Africa’s anti-colonial movement.

    Read Also: AFCON 2025: CBN handling direct payment of Super Eagles’ allowances-NFF

    Michel Nkuka Mboladinga dressed as Patrice Lumumba in a blue suit jacket and red trousers with his hand raised in the middle of Congolese fans in a stadium in Rabat.

    After the final whistle on Tuesday at Rabat’s Moulay Hassan Stadium, which saw the Leopards knocked out of the tournament, Mboladinga – who with his hairstyle and glasses looks remarkably like Lumumba – was visibly distraught.

    He removed his glasses to wipe away some tears, slowly got down from his makeshift plinth and leant against it with his head in his hands.

    The Algerian Football Association (FAF) reached out to Mboladinga following Amoura’s contrite statement and invited him to the hotel where the North African team are staying in Rabat to meet the players.

    The super fan was not able to get to Morocco’s capital so FAF’s media officer Saïd Fellak travelled to Casablanca’s Novotel Hotel to see him and other Congolese supporters on Wednesday evening.

    There Fellak presented Mboladinga with his own Desert Foxes jersey with the name “Lumumba” printed on the back.

    Videos and photos of the entente cordiale, also attended by Congolese Sports Minister Didier Budimbu, were captured by Congolese fans, showing Mboladinga next to Fellak with his new football shirt.

  • AFCON 2025: Mali’s mental approach key to upsetting Senegal

    AFCON 2025: Mali’s mental approach key to upsetting Senegal

    Mali overcame heavy odds and had to dig deep to reach the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals and will need the same mental strength against heavily fancied Senegal today.

    Mali were down to 10 men after defender Woyo Coulibaly was sent off in the 26th  minute of last Saturday’s round-of-16 tie against Tunisia in Casablanca but held out to force a 1-1 draw after extra time and advance on penalties.

     “Against Tunisia we needed to show strong mentality as it was 10 against 11,” said Serie A-based midfielder Lassana Coulibaly at the pre-match press conference. “We will need the same mentality against Senegal. We want to progress and we feel we have nothing to lose. We are not the favourites but with our mental, physical strength we feel we can win.”

    Senegal are the second-ranked team in Africa and, with 10 goals scored in the tournament, they look strong candidates to advance into next week’s semi-finals.

    Read Also: AFCON 2025: CBN handling direct payment of Super Eagles’ allowances-NFF

    “The eight teams who have qualified for the quarters are all the big footballing countries in Africa but I think we are playing the best,” added Mali coach Tom Saintfiet.

    “The only team they’ve lost to over the last years was Brazil, they even beat England. It’s a stable team but also very strong who score easily, who don’t give up much and are very dangerous.

    “But we are also a good team. We haven’t lost at this tournament, and we played well against Morocco and Tunisia, two countries who qualified for the World Cup,” the Belgian-born coach said.

    Mali are, however, also through to the last eight without winning a game. They drew their three group games and then needed penalties against Tunisia in the first knockout round.

    “We haven’t created a lot of goal-scoring opportunities, but we’ve played with discipline and we won’t be changing much around our approach. We’ve got players with good ability and a very good mentality,” Saintfiet said.

    Mali are the only country in the last eight without previous Cup of Nations success. They were runners-up in 1972 and have been semi-finalists five times since.

  • On AA Rano’s Smart Decision

    On AA Rano’s Smart Decision

    Alhaji Auwalu Abdullhai Rano, widely recognized as AA Rano, entered the oil and gas sector in 1994, laying the groundwork for what would become a significant business venture with formal incorporation in 2002. Over the years, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the energy landscape of Nigeria, operating more than 200 retail outlets supported by an extensive fleet of over 600 trucks. The company, headquartered in Kano, has developed a comprehensive presence across the oil and gas value chain, encompassing distribution, marketing, logistics, and trading.

    One of Rano’s notable recent investments includes a state-of-the-art 60 million liter tank farm located in Lagos, alongside a substantial 20,000-metric-ton LPG facility that is supported by a newly acquired vessel. These developments highlight his commitment to expanding his company’s infrastructure and enhancing its service capabilities. In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Rano is dedicated to social development initiatives. Through the A.A. Rano Foundation, he actively supports education, healthcare, and youth-focused programs across Nigeria, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.

    In a bold step aimed at revolutionizing the oil and gas retail sector, AA Rano has unveiled plans to launch Nigeria’s first fully automated, unmanned fuel stations. This initiative represents a significant shift in the downstream petroleum market, fundamentally transforming how motorists purchase fuel and how operators manage retail outlets. The new automated stations will operate 24/7, offering self-service fueling supported by advanced Artificial Intelligence-driven digital controls and remote monitoring capabilities.

    Read Also: Tinubu applauds NGX N100 trillion milestone, urges Nigerians to invest more at home

    The implementation of this pioneering project is a result of a strategic partnership with Petrosoft Limited, a Nigerian technology firm renowned for developing innovative management systems tailored for the oil and gas industry. Under this agreement, Petrosoft will deploy its cutting-edge automated station technology across AA Rano’s retail network nationwide, with operations anticipated to commence in January 2026.

    The forward-thinking technology allows customers to refuel, make contactless payments, and complete transactions without the need for attendants, thereby enhancing convenience for consumers. Rano emphasizes that this technological advancement is designed to minimize losses, bolster transparency, and provide reassurance to customers, ensuring they receive the exact volume of fuel they are paying for. The SmartPump platform will seamlessly integrate retail automation, inventory tracking, and corporate fuel management systems, facilitating self-service refueling, fleet vehicle identification, and real-time dispenser control. Additionally, the system will include tank gauging and cloud monitoring technologies to effectively track fuel levels, detect leaks, and prevent theft, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive market.

  • Okoya celebrates 86th birthday differently

    Okoya celebrates 86th birthday differently

    Chief Rasak Akanni Okoya, a distinguished figure in the realm of industrialization and a dedicated billionaire philanthropist, is a man of remarkable vitality and resilience. At the impressive age of 86, he stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of life, particularly in a country like Nigeria, where life expectancy has seen a troubling decline. Chief Okoya defies the odds, embracing life with vigor and gratitude, often attributing his longevity to his faith and the supportive community surrounding him.

    Despite his immense wealth and the success of his enterprises, Chief Okoya possesses a youthful outlook, pouring his energies into both joy and purpose. He firmly believes in savoring life’s moments—entertaining guests at elegant soirées and engaging deeply with the needs of his community. This blend of celebration and service seems to be a vital ingredient in his recipe for a long and fulfilling life.

    When he celebrated his 80th birthday, his Oluwa ni Shola Mansion, situated along the bustling Lekki-Epe Expressway, was a gathering point for a multitude of distinguished guests who came together to honor this significant milestone. However, as he turned 86, Chief Okoya opted for a celebration that reflected his values over extravagance. Rather than indulge in opulent festivities, he chose a more profound approach to mark the occasion. In a spirit of gratitude, he invited respected Islamic clerics to offer prayers, seeking continued blessings of good health and longevity.

    Read Also: Why young Nigerians must monitor blood pressure

    In addition to the prayers, Chief Okoya initiated an impactful 8-Day Free Medical Outreach to give back to his local community. This comprehensive health initiative provided essential services, including blood and urine testing, oral and dental examinations, eye screenings, cervical and prostate checks, tuberculosis testing, and family planning advice. The outreach was meticulously organized and staffed with qualified medical professionals who not only conducted tests but also offered advice on maintaining better health.

    The outreach’s impact extended beyond mere diagnoses; it also included the distribution of free medications and food items to those in need, aiming to alleviate the struggles faced by underprivileged members of the community. For Chief Okoya, this birthday celebration was more than a personal milestone; it was a heartfelt endeavor that genuinely touched lives and bridged the gap left by insufficient government health facilities. His legacy continues to be one of commitment and compassion, demonstrating that true wealth lies in service to others.

  • Honeybols rallies support for widows

    Honeybols rallies support for widows

    Among the few patriotic Nigerians who genuinely care for the downtrodden, Adebimpe Adefolajimi stands out as a beacon of hope. As a trained lawyer, philanthropist, and ardent advocate for women’s rights, she has dedicated her life to championing causes that uplift marginalized communities. As the CEO of Honeybols Events, Adebimpe has consistently demonstrated her commitment to social betterment through her various initiatives.

    For years, she has quietly yet passionately contributed to her community in Agege, Lagos, rallying her friends and associates in the private sector to support her charitable efforts. As we enter the new year of 2026, her resolve to bring joy and support to those in need remains unwavering. Through the Honeybols Foundation, Adebimpe is launching an impactful food drive and employment support initiative that targets food insecurity and promotes self-sufficiency among vulnerable populations.

    Read Also: Meet Olugbemisola Odusote, first female DG of Nigerian Law School

    This initiative aims to empower widows in Lagos by providing them with essential food items, financial assistance for business start-ups, and pathways to employment through skill acquisition programs. Adebimpe acknowledges the unique challenges faced by widows, especially those with children to care for, and she seeks to address these challenges head-on. The program is designed not just to deliver immediate relief, but to equip widows with the skills and resources they need for long-term sustainability.

    Moreover, Adebimpe’s vision extends beyond one-time assistance. She is passionate about creating a sustainable support network where widows can receive ongoing help. Through her foundation, she is introducing a program whereby friends and supporters can “adopt” widows, providing them with a monthly stipend to assist with daily expenses until they secure stable employment. Additionally, the initiative will focus on empowering those who wish to start their own businesses or explore new trades, facilitating their journey towards financial independence.

    According to the Honeybols Foundation, this initiative not only aims to support widows materially but also seeks to reinforce the moral fabric of society by emphasizing the importance of community support.

    By focusing on strengthening women who need a little encouragement to thrive, Adebimpe hopes to foster an environment where growth and sustainability become achievable goals. Through education, skill-building, and community engagement, the Honeybols Foundation aspires to create a better, more equitable world for everyone, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

  • Bunmi Obakoya’s large heart

    Bunmi Obakoya’s large heart

    Hon. Bunmi Obakoya is an inspiring figure known for her multifaceted contributions to both the entertainment industry and her local community. A devoted workaholic, she firmly believes that hard work yields its own rewards. This conviction drives her relentless efforts to thrive in her diverse business ventures, particularly within the vibrant entertainment sector. Her popular Bukay Lounge in Yaba has become a hotspot for fun lovers, frequently opening its doors to host events that promote emerging artists and celebrate creativity.

    Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Obakoya is widely recognized for her remarkable generosity and commitment to philanthropy. In 2012, she established the Bunmi Obakoya Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. Despite her aversion to media attention while engaging in charitable works, her selfless acts consistently draw recognition, highlighting the positive change she fosters in her community.

    During the festive season, Obakoya’s dedication to helping those in need was particularly evident. On December 24, she organized a heartfelt event on Johnson Street, off Coker Road, where over 300 residents from the Ilupeju area benefitted from her kindness. Each recipient received N20,000, providing crucial financial support to families during a time of celebration and need.

    At the event, Obakoya spoke passionately about her mission to create a meaningful impact in the lives of others, stating, “I am committed to doing more.”

    Her foundation has played a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals in Lagos by providing educational support, food assistance, youth training programs, and healthcare for the elderly. To date, her initiatives have positively affected over 20,000 lives in the Ilupeju community alone.

    Among the foundation’s noteworthy efforts are the distribution of 2,000 5kg rice bags to families in need and the provision of scholarships to 18 students across universities, secondary schools, and primary schools. These initiatives reflect her deep commitment to fostering education and alleviating hunger, which she believes are fundamental to empowering her community.

    Read Also: JUST IN: FG secures release of Nigerian pastor jailed in Benin

    Obakoya’s dedication to her philanthropic mission is deeply rooted in her own upbringing in Ilupeju. She often reflects on her desire to give back, remarking, “I asked myself, what can I do for my people? Because we can’t wait for the government to do everything for us.” Her actions on December 24 epitomize her belief in the transformative power of individual contributions in driving sustainable change.

    The gratitude expressed by beneficiaries of her generosity speaks volumes about her impact. One recipient remarked, “This gift has come at a time when we need it most,” underscoring the crucial support provided by her foundation. Many in the community have praised Hon. Obakoya for her ongoing commitment to uplifting those around her.

    Through her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, Obakoya’s philanthropic endeavors serve as a powerful reminder of how individual actions can create ripples of change. The Bunmi Obakoya Foundation continues to stand as a beacon of hope, guiding the way towards greater community support and compassion. As the foundation looks to expand its reach, it remains resolute in its mission to uplift those in need, embodying the true spirit of giving and solidarity.

  • My life is better without my father, says Portable

    My life is better without my father, says Portable

    For the second time in two years, controversial street-pop artist, Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, has gone hard on his father claiming his life is better without him.

    A few days into the New Year, the singer took to his social media account to level serious allegations against his father in a live video. He accused his father of neglect, manipulation, and financially exploiting his success, while also warning him against what he described as spiritual intimidation.

    The outburst follows a physical altercation between Portable and one of his babymama, Asabi.

    During an Instagram Live session, the Zazu singer lamented that his father consistently distances himself whenever he faces challenges involving the police or marital disputes, yet maintains contact with his partners for selfish gains.

    In a 10 minute long vitriol, he said, “Even my dad is only concerned with getting money from me. There is no time in the police station that you will ever come to my aid as your son. But you can collect the phone numbers of your son’s baby mamas and collect money from them.

    “Are you not supposed to have a phone number and relations with just one wife, you know, with me? It’s only Bewaji, my only wife, that you’re supposed to know, but you chase after all of them for money. You will be sniffing around my family. You are with me, yet my life is scattered.

    “My fans, why? When you are not with me, my life goes on. If people invade my house and I ask my father to report to the police station, he won’t answer; he will run and hide from my problems. I am facing a lot of fans, but you will not believe me.

    “My life is good without you. I am a hero. You did not take care of me. You did not send me to school. You are just like Baba Mohbad; you have collected all my shoes and clothes. But when there is war, you will be absent.”

    He continued saying, “When I wanted to build a house, I told him to handle it. He was always cheating me. You quoted 300 blocks as 900 blocks for me. I want to roof a building for N1.4 million, but you called it N2.7 million. You stand on my toes because of my properties.

    “When my mother died, my father said he was not concerned. Am I your only child? Leave me to live my life. My father was cheating me on the purchase of bricks. You were in Abuja doing your thing. Then you came into my life when I became famous.

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    “You can never inherit me. I will not allow you to do to me what they did to Mohbad. My father is ready to take my properties, including my cars and my clothes. I swear to God who made me, no one can inherit me, and I will live long before I die to take care of my kids and my properties.

    “You can not kill me. Spirituality is genuine, and I will be spiritual with anybody. Assuming my mum were alive, I wouldn’t be suffering this much because she would fight for me. My father scammed my mum before her death; he is still scamming me as well.

    “My father sent me away from Abuja, and I came to learn tailoring in Lagos. My father blocked my aunt, who raised me when my mum died, saying she used me for rituals. My dad chased my aunt, who used to stay with me.

    “My aunt, Alhaja, used to stand for me when I got arrested at the police station. My dad has blocked her, the woman who raised me as a kid, so he can scam me. Alhaja, where are you? My father has scattered everything. My father has collected my money and cars, even though I haven’t bought anything for Alhaja yet.

    “If not for Alhaja, who fortified me, I wouldn’t be here today. But my father caused Alhaja to say that she is using me for ritual, Alhaja is rich, and I am rich with everything she raised me with.

    “Whereas, I am not supposed to even take care of my father because he was not available when I was born, he went on hajj, it was my mum who sorted out my naming ceremony. Yet, my father won’t take care of my family and siblings from the money he got from me.”