The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • APC e-registration hits 7 million, reschedules congresses

    APC e-registration hits 7 million, reschedules congresses

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has registered over 7 million members in its ongoing nationwide electronic membership registration exercise.

    The party also extended the exercise scheduled to round off on Saturday, January 31 to February 8 to accommodate the high demand and enthusiastic response from potential and existing members.

    National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, disclosed these to newsmen after the 183rd meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Friday in Abuja 

    He said the extension of the registration exercise was a direct response to widespread clamor from party stakeholders.

    According to Morka: “With respect to the e-registration, there’s no complicated explanation. We just want more members to register,” adding that, “the extension was in response to the clamor by enthusiastic members who are hoping to register, to afford them more time. 

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    “As of now, we have crossed the mark of 7 million… By the grace of God, by the time we are closing on the 8th of February, we should have crossed the mark of 12.5 million.”

    Reaffirming the primary aim of the e-registration was part of the party’s push to digitalise its records, ensure data integrity, promote financial inclusion and align with national legal standards. 

    He noted the APC has become the first major political party in Nigeria to fully digitalise its membership register, setting a precedent for internal democracy and modernisation.

    Applauding the registration exercise as “tremendously successful”,  APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, maintained that the requests for extension of the exercise came from various stakeholders, including state-level leaders and the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).

    Basiru said: “The e-registration has been tremendously successful. We have received requests from many states that there are so many members that are still eager to register… Based on that request, particularly by the body of the Governors Forum at the meeting we held with them the day before yesterday, that was why the National Working Committee decided to extend.”

    Morka also announced that ward congresses will hold on Wednesday, February 18 while the National Convention is scheduled for 27–28, March 2026. 

    He added that Osun and Ekiti States as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are excluded from scheduled congresses due to upcoming elections while Rivers State is excluded due to the subsisting tenure the current executive committees of the party in the State.  

    The party spokesman further said that details on the adjusted Congress and National Convention timetable and schedule of activities and composition of the National Convention Planning Committee will be announced on Monday

  • Tinubu condoles with  grieving  Ndidi on father’s death

    Tinubu condoles with  grieving  Ndidi on father’s death

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a message of condolence to Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, over the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as tragic and painful for the family and all who knew the deceased.

    Sunday Ndidi reportedly died in a road accident in Umunede, near Agbor, in Delta State, on Tuesday.

    His son, Wilfred Ndidi, is a Nigerian international footballer who currently plays for Turkish Super Lig side Beşiktaş and serves as captain of the Super Eagles.

    President Tinubu, in his condolence message, said he was deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Sunday Ndidi, noting the close bond he shared with his son.

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     “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Sunday Ndidi. I share in the grief of his family, friends and associates, particularly Wilfred Ndidi, who shared a strong bond with his father as a mentor and guide in his remarkable career as an exceptional footballer,” the President said.

    He added that the late Ndidi’s values and personal conduct left a lasting impression on those around him.

     “There is no doubt that Sunday’s modest beginning and honesty greatly impacted those who looked up to him for inspiration,” the President noted.

    President Tinubu also prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved family and for the repose of the soul of the departed.

    He asked God Almighty to grant the Ndidi family the strength to bear the loss and to grant eternal rest to Sunday Ndidi.

  • Amuneke faces tough Pinnick conditions for  Super Eagles’ job

    Amuneke faces tough Pinnick conditions for  Super Eagles’ job

    Immediate  past President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, believes  former Nigeria international, Emmanuel Amuneke , is still a strong candidate to coach the Super  Eagles in the future.

    But  Pinnick  asserted  that the former  Barcelona winger  must deliver silverware at club level before he can  took the reins  of the  national men’s football team.

    Speaking on the Sunday Oliseh Global Football Insights Podcast, Pinnick said matter-of-factly, adding the Super Eagles job isn’t something you earn on past glory alone—even if you’re a Barcelona legend who won the U-17 World Cup.

    “I like him. We have a good relationship,” Pinnick claimed. “But the Super Eagles is not just for anybody to handle. Let’s see your results with Heartland FC.”

    As a player, Amuneke was box office as the he silky winger won titles across three continents with Julius Berger, Zamalek, Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona.

    He retired to coaching  in 2008 and cut his teeth with Julius Berger and Ocean Boys before landing his breakthrough moment in 2015: guiding  the Golden Eaglets to  FIFA U-17 World Cup glory in Chile with a team  that included Victor Osimhen,  Samuel Chukwueze and among others.

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    His next stop was Tanzania, where he masterminded their qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. By 2022, he was named Super Eagles assistant coach for the crucial World Cup playoff against Ghana.

    With credentials like that, many assumed Amuneke was a shoo-in for the top job in 2024. Instead, the NFF went with Finidi George, who’d just won the Nigerian league with Rivers United.

    But to land the Super Eagles’ job, Pinnick has  now given Amuneke some stringent  conditions  , adding  the former  Africa Footballer of the Year should  take Heartland, currently struggling in Nigeria’s lower leagues, back to the top flight. Then win the NPFL title. And then? Take a crack at the CAF Champions League—a trophy no Nigerian club has lifted in over two decades.

    “He’s at Heartland, a big club that has been there for over 40 years,” Pinnick explained. “Let him help the club win the Champions League. He’s still very young. Once that is done, it’s going to be automatic going to the Super Eagles.”

  • NNL, NALCOMA recommend life ban for dubious referees

    NNL, NALCOMA recommend life ban for dubious referees

    By Daniel Oyekan

    The Nigerian National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA) has recommended life bans for referees and club officials who engage in dubious practices that bring the game into disrepute.

    The recommendation came at the end of a one-day mid-season retreat held at the Remo Stars International Stadium in Ikenne, jointly organized by the Nigerian National League (NNL) Board and NALCOMA.

    Participants at the retreat commended the George Aluo-led NNL Board for securing sponsorship for the second-tier league and restoring confidence in Nigerian football’s second division.

    NALCOMA Chairman, Godwin Enakhena, praised the board’s efforts in transforming the league’s fortunes and improving standards.

    “We commend the George Aluo-led Board for restoring confidence in the league, which is now attracting corporate sponsors. The standard of the league has improved—there is better welfare for players, matches are streamed live, and there is less violence,” Enakhena said.

    However, Enakhena expressed concern over the conduct of some referees and club officials whose desperate attempts to secure home victories threaten the league’s progress.

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    “Some referees and clubs are acting as killjoys through their desperation to win at home at all costs. We totally condemn poor officiating induced by money and other considerations,” he stated.

    “While a lot is being done to improve the league, there are still some bad eggs among the referees and even club officials whose conduct can cause irreversible damage. We will not allow a few bad ones to destroy our league.”

    NALCOMA plans to recommend to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Board that any referee found culpable of breaching league rules in a dubious manner should face a lifetime ban from officiating.

    “This will serve as a deterrent to others with bad intent,” Enakhena emphasized.

    Beyond punitive measures, the NALCOMA chairman stressed the need for continuous training and reorientation of match officials to improve officiating standards.

    “We will also recommend proper retraining and reorientation of the arbiters because a half-baked referee cannot do a good job,” he concluded.

    The recommendations are expected to be formally presented to the NFF for consideration and implementation.

  • Bayelsa athletes  vow to defend Niger Delta Games crown

    Bayelsa athletes  vow to defend Niger Delta Games crown

    Bayelsa State‘s athletes are determined to retain their position atop the medals table when the second edition of the Niger Delta Games kicks off in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20-27.

    The state surprised many by clinching the inaugural title in Uyo, edging out Delta State by a single gold medal on the final day of competition. Bayelsa finished with an impressive haul of 46 gold, 29 silver and 15 bronze medals—86 in total.

    Now, athletes preparing for the Benin Games say they’re ready to prove their dominance was no fluke.

    “Bayelsa has gone beyond participation to winning tournaments,” declared wrestler Emmanuel Okike during training at the team’s camp in Yenagoa, the state capital. “We have been doing well in all the competitions we’ve attended, and I can confidently say we’re ready to retain first position.”

    Okike credited the team’s intensive preparations, particularly the wrestling squad’s rigorous training regimen, as the foundation for their confidence.

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    Fellow wrestler Ebiere Frank, competing in the 61kg freestyle category, echoed that determination. “We’re going to Benin to affirm our dominance in wrestling,” he said, adding that the Games would serve as vital preparation for other competitions later in the year.

    Both wrestlers praised the partnership between Dunamis-Icon Limited and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for creating the Games.

    “The region stands to benefit immensely from the continuous staging of these games through the discovery of talented sportsmen and women,” Ebiere noted.

    Basketball player Gonibo Jessica was equally bullish about her team’s prospects. “We’re bringing back the gold medal in basketball,” she asserted, describing the competition as “a stepping stone for young athletes to excel at national and international sporting events.”

    Jessica urged the NDDC to sustain its sponsorship of the Games, calling it “a launch pad for grassroots sports development.”

    Bayelsa will field male and female athletes across all 16 sporting events at the Games.

  • Stadium expert Egbe hails ‘birthday boy’ Fubara on infrastructure vision

    Stadium expert Egbe hails ‘birthday boy’ Fubara on infrastructure vision

    Nigeria‘s foremost stadium construction expert, Ebi Egbe, has extended warm birthday wishes to Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, while praising his developmental achievements in the state.

    Egbe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Limited—the firm reconstructing the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt—expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership despite the challenges facing the state.

    “Your Excellency, I wish you a happy birthday and want to assure you that Rivers State is in safe hands under your leadership. Your developmental strides speak for themselves. You have remained unshakable despite the challenges of steering the affairs of the state. May God Almighty guide you safely to the promised land,” Egbe said in his goodwill message.

    The Bayelsa-born sports infrastructure specialist expressed gratitude for the opportunity to undertake the stadium reconstruction project, describing it as a testament to the governor’s commitment to empowering capable Niger Delta professionals.

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    “As an Ijaw man from neighbouring Bayelsa State, I do not take for granted your confidence in a fellow Niger Deltan with the capacity to deliver. This monumental project will help talents in the region blossom, and we at Monimichelle Sports Facilities Limited remain eternally grateful,” he added.

    Egbe also prayed for divine renewal of the governor’s energy and wisdom to continue creating sustainable legacies for future generations.

    Beyond the birthday felicitation, Egbe has been at the forefront of advocating for improved sports facilities across Nigeria and Africa. He continues to campaign against substandard football playing surfaces, emphasizing that athlete welfare should be paramount in infrastructure decisions.

    “Players’ comfort and safety are among the strongest advantages of using our Monimichelle Nature Pure Natural infill pitches instead of traditional rubber-based systems that often cause injuries,” he explained.

    The Monimichelle CEO is also pushing for the replacement of concrete floors in sports arenas with the advanced SI-PU multi-purpose hybrid court system, which he says addresses the safety, performance, and durability limitations of painted concrete and basic acrylic surfaces.

    “SI-PU hybrid systems are elastomeric and flexible, reducing peak impact forces transmitted to the athlete’s body. This directly protects the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Achilles tendon, knee cartilage, lower back, and hip joints,” Egbe concluded.

  • NPFL: Nasarawa United, Abia Warriors slip again as Plateau United, Pillars shine

    NPFL: Nasarawa United, Abia Warriors slip again as Plateau United, Pillars shine

    Nasarawa United missed a golden opportunity to draw level with leaders Rivers United after being held to a 1–1 draw by relegation-threatened Enyimba in Lafia while Abia Warriors’ poor home form continued with a listless draw against Wikki Tourists as some games of the Matchday 23 were played yesterday.

    JoFrank Istifanus fired the Solid Miners ahead in the 69th  minute, but Kalu Nweke calmly converted a 73rd-minute penalty to rescue a point for the People’s Elephant, who survived nine minutes of stoppage time.

    The result keeps Nasarawa second on 39 points, two adrift of Rivers United, who remain top with 41 points and were not in midweek action due to their CAF Champions League engagement. Enyimba moved up to 28 points amid off-field uncertainty following reports of Sporting Director Ifeanyi Ekwueme’s resignation.

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    In Jos, Plateau United extended their unbeaten run to five matches with a crucial 2–1 victory over Rangers International. Temitope Vincent starred for the Peace Boys, scoring in the 15th minute before converting a penalty on 40 minutes, while Chidiebere Nwobodo pulled one back for Rangers in the 28th minute. The win lifted Plateau United temporarily out of the relegation zone into 15th place with 27 points.

    Abia Warriors’ struggles at home continued as they were forced to settle for a 1–1 draw against Wikki Tourists in Umuahia. Emeka Obioma opened the scoring for the Umuchineke Boys in the 51st minute, but Taheer Abubakar equalised five minutes later.

    Despite failing to win at home since December 21, Abia Warriors remain third on the table with 38 points.

    In Kano, ex-Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa proved decisive, scoring the 72nd -minute winner as Kano Pillars edged Katsina United 1–0 to climb to 25 points.
    In the remaining fixtures to be decided today, Bayelsa United will return to Ozoro hoping to string together back-to-back home wins when they face Niger Tornadoes. The Prosperity Boys are edging toward mid-table security, but Tornadoes arrive confident after bouncing back from defeat to Nasarawa United with a win over Enyimba. It’s a clash that could swing either way.

    Also today, Kun Khalifat will host Kwara United in Owerri. Fresh from a gritty draw away to Remo Stars, the Pride of Imo need maximum points to keep survival hopes alive. However, Kwara United boast an impressive recent record in Owerri, remaining unbeaten there over the past two seasons.

    Lagos plays host to a South West derby as Ikorodu City take on Shooting Stars. Their first-round meeting ended in a draw, but with both sides level on 35 points in fifth and sixth respectively, bragging rights and league position are at stake. Ikorodu City, the Oga Boys, are under greater pressure to win with the loss in Maiduguri , while the Oluyole Warriors look slightly more settled.

    In another Ozoro showdown, Warri Wolves battle reigning champions Remo Stars. Wolves are eager to bounce back from a heavy loss to Rangers, while Remo—surprisingly hovering close to the relegation zone—cannot afford another defeat as pressure mounts.

    In Benin City, Bendel Insurance aim to respond after their nine-game unbeaten run was halted by Shooting Stars. The Edo Arsenal remain formidable, boasting seven wins in their last ten outings, but Barau FC have shown a knack for springing surprises.

     Results : Matchday 23

    Nasarawa United 1–1 Enyimba

    Plateau United 2–1 Rangers International

    Abia Warriors 1–1 Wikki Tourists

    Kano Pillars 1–0 Katsina United

  • Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Organisers announce bib, cut-off ,  medal policy

    Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Organisers announce bib, cut-off ,  medal policy

    Organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2026 have released the official race schedule alongside detailed cut-off and medal eligibility guidelines, providing clarity for the thousands of runners preparing for Africa’s biggest road.

    The announcement forms part of the final phase of preparations for the event and underscores the organisers’ commitment to transparency, fairness and adherence to international marathon standards.

    According to the official schedule, the 42-kilometre marathon will commence at 6:30 a.m. and officially close at 12:00 p.m., giving participants a total race window of six hours. The 10-kilometre race will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will also close at 12:00 p.m.

    Organisers explained that while all registered runners are permitted to compete at their own pace within the official race window, the stipulated cut-off time applies strictly to medal qualification and not to participation in the event.

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    In line with the marathon’s integrity policy, only runners who complete the full race on or before the official cut-off time will be awarded an Access Bank Lagos City Marathon finisher’s medal.

    Runners who are picked up by the official sweeper bus will be deemed not to have completed the race. Their bib numbers will be marked and such marked bibs will not be eligible for medals. Organisers added that bibs will also be marked at the finish line after medal collection to ensure strict enforcement of the policy.

    Any runner whose bib is marked will not receive a medal, while participants who cross the finish line after the official cut-off time will be issued a certificate of participation only.

    Despite the firm guidelines, organisers stressed that the marathon remains a celebration of endurance and determination, acknowledging and applauding every runner who takes on the challenge, regardless of finishing time.

  • Fury confirms April comeback fight against Makhmudov

    Fury confirms April comeback fight against Makhmudov

    Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury will face Arslanbek Makhmudov in his comeback fight in April, weeks after saying he would come out of retirement.

    The bout between the Briton and Canada-based Russian Makhmudov will take place in the UK on April 11, with no venue yet announced, and will be broadcast on Netflix.

    Fury quit boxing in January last year after suffering a second straight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk – the latest in a string of retirements.

    The 37-year-old “Gypsy King” said earlier this month he would return to the sport in 2026 and has been training in Thailand.

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     “Well it’s official, I’m back doing what I love to do,” Fury posted on Instagram. “I’ve brought the biggest network along with me @netflix @netflixuk this is going to be astronomical. Blessed by God.”

    Fury has a record of 34 wins, two defeats and one draw.

     “I am thrilled about the opportunity,” said 36-year-old Makhmudov, who has won 21 of his 23 fights. “I’m coming to deliver a war.

     “Tyson Fury has been a big champion. I will be more ready than ever to leave with a massive W.”

    Fury had been expected to build towards a long-awaited fight against fellow British former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, but Joshua’s future is uncertain after a car crash in December, in Nigeria, in which two of his close friends were killed.

  • Sinner sets up Australian Open blockbuster with Djokovic

    Sinner sets up Australian Open blockbuster with Djokovic

     “Physically strong” reigning champion Jannik Sinner will face 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster Australian Open semi-final after taming Ben Shelton in straight sets.

    The Italian second seed swatted aside the American eighth seed 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 and has dropped only one set in moving ominously into the last four.

    The other semi-final at Melbourne Park is between world number one Carlos Alcaraz and third-ranked Alexander Zverev.

     “We go day by day, today I felt I was moving again a little bit better, I feel physically stronger again,” the relentless Sinner said after easing into a sixth consecutive Grand Slam semi-final.

     “We all know what challenge I am up to,” he said of facing Djokovic, 38. “These are the moments you practise for and wake up for in the morning.

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     “It improves you as a player and a person, we are lucky to have Novak still here playing incredible tennis for his age.”

    Sinner and Shelton came into the quarter-final with the Italian having won eight of their nine previous meetings in straight sets.

    The left-hander Shelton has got the better of Sinner just once, in their first encounter, in 2023.

    Sinner’s dominance includes winning their Melbourne semi-final 12 months ago, and it was to be more of the same on a cool evening on Rod Laver Arena.

    Sinner raced into a 4-1 lead in the first set as he sent Shelton, who is a year younger at 23, scurrying to all corners of the court.

    A Sinner ace sealed the first set in 49 minutes and, despite having the crowd willing him on, Shelton was broken again in falling two sets down.

    Four-time major champion Sinner was imperious and looked unflustered on the few occasions that the aggressive Shelton put him under the cosh.

    They went with serve in the third set and Shelton did his best to feed off what he has approvingly called a “rowdy” Melbourne crowd.

    But he struck his 33rd unforced error to give Sinner three break points, and after saving one of them, the American double-faulted to gift his opponent a 5-4 lead and signal the end was close.

    Djokovic, a record 10-time winner in Melbourne, took his place in the semi-finals when Italian opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired hurt.