The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Benin

  • After Nigeria, Benin deserve AFCON 2025 ticket, says Rohr

    After Nigeria, Benin deserve AFCON 2025 ticket, says Rohr

    German coach Gernot Rohr believes The Cheetahs of Benin deserve to pick  the second ticket from Group D of the 2025  Africa Cup of Nations qualification after  the Super Eagles claimed  group’s the first ticket last Thursday.

    Hostilities towards qualification  for Morocco 2025  will come to an end today as The Cheetahs  are away to Libya in Tripoli while the Super Eagles host the Wasps of Rwanda  in Uyo.

    Rohr, who incidentally guided  Nigeria to the 2019 AFCON after the Super Eagles  missed  the  continental party in Equatorial Guinea 2015 and  Gabon 2017, remains confident  of helping  Benin break their own duck since their last appearance at Egypt  2019 by securing a positive result  against the Mediterranean Knights in Tripoli today.

    “Tomorrow (today) is a big game for us and decisive one  because we conceded an equaliser in the  last minute few minutes of the match against Nigeria in Abidjan,” Rohr told NationSports from Tripoli yesterday. “We could  have mathematically qualified last time (Thursday) if we’d  won (against Nigeria ).”

    Going into the last round of matches today, Rohr admitted that Benin must do everything to avoid defeat in Tripoli since The Cheetahs are on seven points while Rwanda  are on five points, adding a shock  win  for the Wasps in Uyo could upset  his side’s applecart.

    “ Two of the three possible results in a football match will be good for us (to qualify for AFCON 2025) as such, we must avoid defeat in the match against Libya,” the vastly experienced former Bayern Munich  and Bordeaux defender further said.

    Read Also: Para soccer marks World Polio Day with tournament

    He added: “At least if we can get a draw, we would qualify even if  Rwanda is winning in Uyo against  Nigeria which I don’t believe it is possible and even If we draw against Libya  and Rwanda  win Uyo, we would still qualify because we have a general better goal difference.

    “That’s the situation  but we have to keep eyes only on our own game because I’m confident the Super Eagles playing at home, cannot allow defeat by Rwanda.”

    Away from mathematical permutations, Rohr said his optimism  going into today’s round of matches  was borne out of the fact  that The Cheetahs  are  the most improved  team  in the group  besides the ‘illustrious’  Super Eagles who are through already to Morocco 2025.

    “Of course, I agree that until the very last moments, it will be a big suspense but based on the last five rounds of matches we have  played in the group and after seeing  one another, I think we(Benin) are just behind the Super Eagles as such, we deserve the second  ticket in order  to qualify for the AFCON 2025,” he concluded.

  • BREAKING: AFCON 2025: Super Eagles, Benin settle for draw

    BREAKING: AFCON 2025: Super Eagles, Benin settle for draw

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic’s Cheetahs settled for draw at the end of Thursday’s game at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan.

    In the first half, Mohammed Tijani scored for Benin Republic.

    But Victor Osimhen’s equalizing goal in the 81st minute gave the Super Eagles an advantage.

    Read Also: Wike suspends FCDA Executive Sec Hadi Ahmad indefinitely

    Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with one game to spare in the qualifying series.

    The Super Eagles are three time African champions and made it all the way to the final of the last edition staged in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The 35th Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Morocco will take place from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

  • Benin thrash Rwanda 3-0 to keep pressure on Nigeria

    Benin thrash Rwanda 3-0 to keep pressure on Nigeria

    Benin under former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr today continued to stay within striking distance of the Super Eagles in the 2025 AFCON qualifying series after they trounced Rwanda 3-0 in Abidjan.

    They thus have six points from three matches, a point behind table-topping Nigeria.

    Rwanda are third with two points, while Libya remain rooted to the bottom with a point.

    Read Also: NFF confirms Eguavoen for Super Eagles

    Captain Steve Mounie opened the scoring in the seventh minute for Benin. They extended their lead in the 67th minute before they made the game safe three minutes later.

    Both 2026 World Cup qualifying rivals will clash again in Kigali on Tuesday in continuation of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

  • Ighodalo’s wife leads road show campaign in Benin

    Ighodalo’s wife leads road show campaign in Benin

    Mrs Ifenyiwa Ighodalo, wife of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the forthcoming governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, yesterday led a road show campaign in Benin to solicit votes for her husband.

    Mrs Ighodalo joined a mammoth crowd of women, who wore the PDP campaign attire and carried banners on some major roads in the city, canvassing for votes for the candidate and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie.

    Read Also: Outrage over Nigerian woman on avowed mission to wipe out Yoruba, Edo in Canada

    The campaign train kicked off from the historic King Square at Ring Road through Mission Road to the New Benin Market. As they marched along the streets, the women chanted slogans and sang praises, drawing attention from passersby and traders.

    Mrs Ighodalo waved to the crowd and exchanged pleasantries with the people. She urged the electorate to vote for her husband to achieve his mission for the state.

  • Govt urged to disclose list of accredited institutions in Togo, Benin

    Govt urged to disclose list of accredited institutions in Togo, Benin

    The Forum of Stakeholders of Benin and Togo Institutions of Higher Education has asked the Federal Government to disclose the number of accredited institutions in Togo and Benin Republic following placement of a ban on degrees from the two countries.

    Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman last week  Friday said only eight tertiary institutions were accredited from both countries to award degrees.

    But in a statement in Abuja by a representative of the forum, Prof. Amani Danjuma, it called on the Federal Government to notify the general public with the list of accredited institutions of higher education accredited by the Beninese and Togolese Governments.

    Read Also: Okpebholo promises functional Marine Police for riverine communities

    The forum added that “the government has not revealed the details of their findings, reviews and recommendations so that the stakeholders could know which institutions are indicted.”

    According to the statement, apart from the eight institutions mentioned by the Minister, other institutions like Institute of Ecole Superieur are private institutions fully licensed by the Beninese and Togolese Governments to award degrees in various courses accredited from time to time for the institutions.

  • Group urges FG to reconsider of invalidation of certificates from Benin, Togo varsities

    Group urges FG to reconsider of invalidation of certificates from Benin, Togo varsities

    A non-governmental organisation, Education for Accelerated Development (EDAD), has called on the Federal Government to reconsider its decision of invalidating certificates from Republic of Benin and Togo universities, saying it negates the efforts to build a robust diplomatic relations in the West African sub-region. 

    The group further noted that FG got it wrong by branding nearly 50 universities on Benin Republic and Togo fake because unwholesome activities of few institutions of higher learning in those countries. 

    In a statement on Monday in Abuja, the Lead Consultant of EDAD, Dr. Livinus Mbaonu, urged the Federal Government to through the Ministry of Education reverse the decision which it described as hasty and poorly thought out. 

    The Federal Ministry of Education had said on three universities are accredited in Togo while five are accredited to run degree courses in Benin Republic. 

    EDAD however said over 50 universities were listed to have been accredited by the Federal Government on the Ministry of Education’s website, wondering why the sudden withdrawal of recognition from the universities. 

    It said: “We find the decision of the Federal Government to withdraw recognition on certificates from universities in Benin Republic and Togo worrisome and disturbing. This does not in any way build the spirit of regional integration.

    “We are also aware that the ministry had shortlisted over 50 universities which it issued accreditation but we are shocked that it has now made a u-turn to create the impression that certificates from these universities are fake.

    “We also want to appeal to the federal government to consider the psychological well-being of persons who have worked in the past four years whose certificates will be invalidated. They will not only be thrown out of job, their emotional health will suffer and those who depend on them will also be affected.

    “We understand the concerns of the government in weeding out certificates not backed by hard work, in this case learning. It must however be clearly stated that not all universities in these two countries engage in academic infractions. 

    “Branding all of them as fake may not be just and fair, it is an injustice against those who invest so much efforts to produce quality graduates.”

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Eight varsities in Togo, Benin accredited by FG

    It urged the relevant authorities to instead of disengaging persons already working in various ministries, departments and agencies, an aptitude test should rather be conducted so that it will give affected persons opportunity to prove their academic fitness to work. 

    It also expressed displeasure that private universities were also affected by the decision of federal government. 

    According to the group, the affected academic institutions are recognised and listed in UNESCO handbook, wondering why they are being subjected to discriminatory treatment by Nigeria. 

    “It must also be made clear that Beninise and Togolese students are studying in various academic institutions in Nigeria. Should these countries retaliate in this measure against the action of Nigerian, it will strain relations between these countries. 

    “We are also not oblivious that some vested interests, especially those from private institutions in Nigeria have been at the forefront in pushing this malicious agenda. The federal government should reverse this decision if we are serious about build a solid relationship with our neighbour,” it added.

  • Osho drags Ojo, Omaka to ASVO in Benin  

    Osho drags Ojo, Omaka to ASVO in Benin  

    Dayo Ojo and Anthony Omaka have agreed to team up with Beninese  topflight side ASVO FC as they seek to reunite with former coach, Fatai Osho.

    Ojo who left Remo Stars at the completion of 2023/2024 NPFL season played under Osho at Enyimba while Omaka also wore the white and blue colours of the People’s Elephant when Osho was with them.

    The former Sunshine Stars midfielder made 80 appearances for Remo Stars with six goals.

    Also on the move to the Beninese league is Anthony Omaka who is noted for his impressive performances in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) for Sunshine Stars, Enyimba, Kwara United and others.

    Omaka’s transfer to ASVO FC marks a significant move as the Benin Republic club aims to bolster their squad for the upcoming season.

    Read Also: Ex- Eagles Anichebe wants ‘clueless’ NFF  sacked 

    His ability to control the midfield and contribute both defensively and offensively will be a valuable asset to ASVO FC.

    Earlier in the month, ASVO FC also secured the services of former Kwara United player Muritala Dagbo.

    While Dagbo’s signing has already had time to settle, Omaka’s recent arrival showcases the club’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their lineup with experienced players from the NPFL.

    Dagbo, known for his defensive prowess and versatility, has been integrating into the team, and his presence is expected to solidify the backline.

    The combination of Dagbo’s defensive skills and Omaka’s midfield control is anticipated to enhance ASVO FC’s overall performance on the field.

    These strategic signings demonstrate ASVO FC’s commitment to building a competitive squad capable of challenging for honours in the Benin Republic’s top-flight league.

    By acquiring experienced players like Ojo Omaka and Dagbo, the club aims to improve their standing and performance in the upcoming season.

  • Benin agog with Ardavo H’ball Premier League

    Benin agog with Ardavo H’ball Premier League

    The 2024 Ardavo Handball Premier League will expectedly kickoff  today in  Benin with pomp  and ceremony as  defending Champions, Niger United of Minna and Safety Babes of Abuja will begin their title defence against Benue Buffaloes and COAS Babes respectively. The two teams know the enormity of the task ahead of them and have stated their readiness to retain their title.

    Niger United coach, Adebayo Yekini said that his team was ready for the league challenges despite losing John Shagari to Tojemarine Academy and two goalkeepers to clubs abroad. He said another player also left the team in pre-season.

    Yekini said that his team has always given their best every season, noting that this season would not be an exception. He said he knew that the clubs were also planning to snatch the title away from his team but said that it is what transpires on the court that would determine which team is favourite to win the title.

    He said: “I can say that we are ready to defend our title. It is not going to be easy but we have trained hard and perfected our strategy. All we have to do is give our best on the courts no matter the team we are playing against.

    Read Also: Lady set to become first African to ride motorbike from Kenya to Nigeria

    “We have lost four of our players to other teams both at home and abroad but it will not prevent us from winning our title as we have quality replacements for them.”

    Ada Okey of Safety Babes said her team is eyeing its fourth consecutive title and fifth overall.

    She said:” In the last six years, Safety Babes HC have lifted the title four times. We did not lift the trophy during the inaugural Prudent Energy Handball League in 2018 where we finished second and in 2020. We remain the only club that has lifted the title three consecutive times and by the Grace of God, we are targeting the fourth title this year.”

    “I am going to take every game seriously because we are the only team that is currently unbeaten since 2022. I have enjoyed the cooperation of my teammates, they have been the reason why I put in my best; the coaches have always believed in my ability and I promise not to let them down this season.

    “As Safety Babes HC takes on COAS Babes in their first match, we will not take the game lightly as we want to score more goals as possible in order not to leave any chances.”

    In other games in the male category, Tojemarine Academy will take on Adamawa Warriors, Correction Boys confront Kano Pillars, Safety Shooters battle Sunshine Kings, Confluence Stars play Rima Strikers while Lagos Seasiders lock horn D.Defenders.

    In other games in the female category,  Defender Babes will take on Imo Grasshoppers, Rima Queens and River Queens lock horns, Bendel Dynamos battle Seasider Babes while Delta Queens take on Plateau Peacocks.

  • Oba of Benin assures Nigerians of better days ahead

    Oba of Benin assures Nigerians of better days ahead

    Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has assured Nigerians of better days ahead.

    He spoke yesterday at his palace during the universal week of prayers by Benin Christian community.

    He read from the Bible, despite practising African spirituality.

    In an online statement by the first-class monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, members of the royal family, Benin chiefs, palace functionaries and royal fans were excited when Oba of Benin read Psalm 23:1 (The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want).

    Read Also: Tinubu approves appointment of FCTA Head of Service, Perm Sec, others

    The eminent traditional ruler, in his goodwill message at the solemn assembly, hailed his prayer partners and subjects for their support since he ascended the throne of his forebears, stressing that God’s time is the best.

  • Fed Govt threatens to sack contractors handling Benin-Lokoja road

    Fed Govt threatens to sack contractors handling Benin-Lokoja road

    • Obaseki, Fed Govt to discuss concessioning of Benin-Auchi highway to state govt, partners

    The Federal Government has warned the contractors handling the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi- Okpella-Okene-Lokoja road to accelerate work on the project or have the contract terminated and their names blacklisted.

    Works Minister David Umahi issued the warning at the weekend while inspecting the project sites in Edo State.

    The minister said the warning became imperative because the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had released funds to the contractors handling federal projects.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji, said after a meeting with Edo State Governor Goodwin Obaseki, the minister described as unacceptable the delay by the contractors yo fully mobilise to the site and effectively begin rehabilitation work, despite President Tinubu’s prompt release of funds to them for the projects.

    On the recent protest along the Jattu axis of the Benin-Auchi highway by residents of the area, which disrupted vehicular movements, the minister said his meeting with the governor was meant to brainstorm on the drastic measures to take to tackle the issues affecting the progress of work in the area.

    “I have had a very serious meeting with the governor here. We are concerned about what is happening between Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi-Okpella and the axis of Kogi State. That is what we have been brainstorming on.

    “I have worked with him throughout last night to direct that the road should be unblocked. If you hear the grievances of those people, you would not blame them so much, because people are dying, trucks are falling,” he said.

    Also, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has said the state government will tomorrow meet with representatives of the Federal Government, Dangote Group, and BUA Plc to discuss and proffer short-term solutions to the deplorable condition of the Benin/Auchi Road.

    Obaseki said this at the weekend while addressing reporters at the Government House in Benin after a closed-door meeting with Umahi.

    The governor urged the Federal Government to concession the road to the state government as a long-term solution.

    He said: “As a state, we would work with the minister and the Federal Government. The issue of roads can’t be left to one stakeholder alone. We all must come to work together.

    Read Also: No Nigerian should be in captivity, Speaker Abbas tells security agencies

    “We are very concerned about the high-traffic roads, like the Benin-Auchi road, which is one of the main transport arteries in Edo State.

    “Youths have protested several times about the poor condition of the road. We have appealed to them and they accepted and expect us to fulfill the promise on remedial action to reduce the carnage, accidents, destructions, and delays commuters witness on that road.”

    On the outcome of his meeting with Umahi, Governor Obaseki said: “We have agreed with the minister that we would send one of our contractors immediately to go in there next week to commence palliative work in some very bad sections of the road.

    “We also agreed on the bad sections, particularly around Agbede, between Ekpoma and Irrua-axis and some other portions towards Uhunmwode Local Government Area.

    “These bad sections have been calculated and they came to about 30 kilometres. We have to bring in other stakeholders, particularly heavy users of the road. We have singled out Dangote and BUA cement companies as they are one of the largest users of the Benin/Auchi road and can’t stay aloof.

    “We are summoning a meeting with representatives of these two companies, the Edo State government, and the Federal Minister for Works and Housing on Tuesday to agree on concrete steps and measures to take and make sure that the remedial works are done on the bad sections of the road to ensure rehabilitation works are done before raining season commences.”