Thirteen associations, including Nigeria’s CAF allies, reject Ceferin’s comments on ‘uninteresting’ matches and defend tournament expansion

A coalition of football federations from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean has publicly criticised UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin for his recent remarks regarding the FIFA World Cup’s expanded format. The joint statement was released on Friday and includes support from major African football nations, with reactions also monitored in Lagos and Abuja.

The controversy began after Ceferin was quoted describing several World Cup matches as ‘uninteresting’, a comment that has sparked widespread condemnation among the 13 federations involved. Signatories to the communique include Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Congo, Haiti, as well as Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa—all of which are members or close partners of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The issue has drawn attention within Nigerian football circles due to its potential impact on the continent’s representation at global tournaments. Many stakeholders have long advocated for increased African participation at the FIFA World Cup. The federations argued in their statement that every World Cup match is significant not only for the players but also for fans across participating countries. They emphasised that qualification itself is a historic achievement for many nations.

According to the joint statement: ‘We reject any characterisation of our matches as uninteresting. Each fixture carries meaning and pride for our people.’ The group further stated that such remarks undermine efforts to promote inclusivity and growth in world football. UEFA has yet to respond to the communiqué as at press time.

The dispute comes as FIFA prepares to implement its planned World Cup expansion, which will see more teams from Africa and other regions participate in future editions. Observers say continued disagreement between FIFA and UEFA could affect negotiations over tournament structure and allocation of slots. For now, CAF members remain united in defending their right to compete on football’s biggest stage.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/fifa-wc-row-deepens-as-13-federations-condemn-uefa-chief/

Dismissals spark fresh debate on academic misconduct as management vows to enforce zero-tolerance policy

A Nigerian university has sacked two professors and three other staff members over alleged involvement in sexual abuse and extortion cases. The decision was announced on Sunday, 14 June 2026, following internal investigations into reported cases of misconduct within the institution.

According to university authorities, the affected staff were found culpable after a disciplinary process that reviewed several complaints submitted by students and stakeholders. The management stated that the dismissal is part of ongoing efforts to sanitize the academic environment and protect students from exploitation.

Sexual harassment and extortion have remained persistent concerns in Nigerian tertiary institutions, with previous incidents sparking public outrage and calls for stronger action from regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC). Stakeholders say these latest dismissals highlight the scale of the challenge and the need for more transparent processes to address abuses of power.

The university’s management reiterated its commitment to upholding ethical standards, warning that any staff found guilty of similar offences would face severe consequences. “We are determined to create a safe learning environment for all students,” a senior official said. No names were disclosed due to privacy considerations.

Advocacy groups welcomed the move but urged authorities to go further by supporting victims and prosecuting offenders where evidence allows. As at press time, no criminal charges had been announced. The development is expected to intensify pressure on other institutions across Nigeria to take decisive action against academic misconduct.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/887655-varsity-sacks-two-professors-three-others-over-alleged-sexual-abuse-extortion.html

Command confirms deceased was not a resident; viral video sparks concern as probe seeks to clarify circumstances

Ogun State Police Command has commenced investigation into the death of one Obikoya Adewale, who was discovered hanged inside a house in the Molode area of Sabo, Ijebu-Ode, on Saturday. The incident, which quickly drew public attention after a video showing Adewale’s lifeless body surfaced online, has raised questions about how the deceased gained access to the property.

According to voices heard in the viral footage, Adewale was not known to be a resident of the apartment where his body was found. Community members expressed shock at the discovery, noting that he appeared to have entered the premises solely for the purpose of ending his life. The case has prompted increased vigilance among residents and concern over mental health awareness in the area.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday from Abeokuta. He stated that police operatives are working to unravel all circumstances leading to Adewale’s death. “The Command is investigating all angles and will update members of the public as facts emerge,” Babaseyi said.

Police have urged residents with relevant information to come forward and assist with ongoing enquiries. As at press time, no further details about possible motives or links to other incidents had been released by authorities. The investigation is expected to address lingering community concerns and provide clarity on how such an incident occurred within a non-residential property.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-launch-investigation-as-man-hangs-self-in-ogun/