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Nigeria News (Standard)

Super Eagles Set to Challenge Portugal in Leiria as Ronaldo Eyes Final Home Bow

Nigerian squad seeks morale boost after World Cup miss, faces Portugal team led by Cristiano Ronaldo at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa

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5 months ago

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Nigerian squad seeks morale boost after World Cup miss, faces Portugal team led by Cristiano Ronaldo at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on Portugal today at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, Leiria, in a high-profile friendly widely seen as Cristiano Ronaldo’s last home appearance before the World Cup kicks off tomorrow. The match, scheduled for 10 June 2026, pits Nigeria’s national team against a Portuguese side captained by the legendary forward who has won every major football trophy except the FIFA World Cup.

Ronaldo, formerly of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, is expected to lead Portugal out in front of home fans eager to celebrate his illustrious career. The previous meeting between both countries ended in a 4–0 defeat for Nigeria, but the Super Eagles are keen to overturn that result and spoil what could be Ronaldo’s farewell party in Portugal. Still disappointed by their absence from this year’s World Cup, the Nigerian team enters the fixture buoyed by recent victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica as well as a credible draw with Poland.

This match carries extra weight for both teams. For Nigeria, it is an opportunity to test themselves against one of the tournament favourites and restore confidence among players and supporters. Portuguese coach Roberto Martinez has made it clear that maintaining an unbeaten run is crucial for building momentum ahead of their World Cup campaign. On the other side, Super Eagles’ technical crew is focused on using this encounter to assess squad depth and fine-tune tactics ahead of future competitions.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Martinez said his team was determined not to lose focus so close to the global showpiece. “Every match is important for our mentality and preparation,” he stated during a pre-match press briefing. Nigerian officials have not released a formal statement but are understood to see this game as a vital test for the squad’s resilience and ambition after missing out on qualification.

With World Cup action set to begin tomorrow, attention will be on how both teams perform in Leiria. For Portugal, it is a chance to bid farewell to their football icon on home soil; for Nigeria, it represents an opportunity to rebuild confidence and signal intent ahead of upcoming continental engagements.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/portugal-vs-nigeria-super-eagles-plan-to-spoil-ronaldos-last-home-party/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide

Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones

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3 weeks ago

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October 5, 2026

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Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the expansion of its National Executive Council, a move aimed at deepening representation and strengthening the council’s capacity to address Muslim affairs across Nigeria. The development was made public on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a meeting of top council officials in Abuja.

According to the statement released after the meeting, the NSCIA leadership resolved to increase the number of seats on its executive body. The council said this adjustment will allow for greater input from Muslim leaders and scholars from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the diverse interests and challenges faced by Nigeria’s Muslim community.

The decision comes at a time when many stakeholders in the Islamic community have called for more inclusive governance structures within faith-based organisations. The council noted that as Nigeria’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, it is critical that leadership bodies remain responsive to changing realities. The expanded executive is expected to facilitate improved consultation and coordination on religious matters affecting education, social welfare, and interfaith relations.

In its official statement, the NSCIA emphasised that “the expansion will enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that voices from every region are properly represented.” While no specific figures were disclosed regarding the number of new seats or names of new appointees, the council assured members that transparency and merit would guide all selections. Attempts to reach opposition or dissenting voices within the council were unsuccessful as at press time.

The NSCIA said it will release a full list of new executive council members following its next general assembly. Observers say this move could influence policy directions within Nigeria’s wider religious landscape over the coming months.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/914524-nscia-expands-its-national-executive-council.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year

Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock

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3 weeks ago

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October 5, 2026

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Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock

A Lagos tenant, identified as Mr Bachelor, has revealed he lived for more than a year in a Surulere apartment without knowing his landlord’s late father was buried beneath the living room floor. The discovery was made on September 20, 2026, when members of the landlord’s family visited the property and informed the tenant of their intention to exhume the remains.

According to Mr Bachelor, who shared details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), he was in his apartment when the landlord’s relatives arrived and disclosed that their late brother—who is also the landlord’s father—had been buried in the middle of his sitting room. “He was buried right in my living room, and I was not aware until they came around today,” he stated.

The family explained that they planned to move the body to another location they had prepared and assured Mr Bachelor that necessary repairs would be made to his sitting room after the exhumation. The tenant noted that he was the first occupant of the newly built house and had spent over a year there before learning about the burial.

The incident has raised fresh concerns among Lagos residents about transparency from landlords regarding property histories. Some social media users responding to Mr Bachelor’s post urged prospective tenants across Nigeria to conduct due diligence before moving into rental properties. Others called for clearer regulations around residential burials and disclosure by property owners.

As at press time, neither local authorities nor tenants’ rights groups have issued official statements on the matter. The landlord’s family has not provided additional comments beyond assurances of repairs. The situation highlights ongoing gaps in property regulation and tenant protection in Lagos State.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/man-discovers-corpse-buried-under-living-room-2026100506463406930

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Nigeria News (Standard)

INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days

Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states

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3 weeks ago

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October 5, 2026

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Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to address Nigerians nationwide as the countdown to the 2027 general elections hits the 100-day mark. The development, expected to take place across all states, comes as political parties and voters begin preparations for one of the country’s most significant democratic exercises.

According to information from INEC headquarters in Abuja, the commission will issue a formal statement to outline its readiness and call on citizens to participate actively in the electoral process. This move is seen as part of efforts to assure stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to credible and transparent polls, following widespread debates over electoral integrity in recent cycles.

The announcement is particularly significant given Nigeria’s recent history of tightly contested elections, with issues such as voter turnout, technological deployment, and security logistics taking centre stage. Many Nigerians, especially young voters, have expressed concerns about the credibility of past elections and are watching closely for signals of improvement in 2027.

While details of INEC’s planned address remain under wraps, observers expect the commission’s leadership to emphasise the importance of voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and adherence to election guidelines. Political analysts note that early communication from INEC could help build public confidence and encourage broader participation ahead of the polls.

With just over three months before Nigerians return to the ballot box, all eyes are on INEC’s next steps. The commission is likely to face scrutiny from both ruling and opposition parties over its preparations. As at Monday, October 5th, no official response has been issued by major political parties regarding INEC’s planned address.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/914520-2027-inec-to-address-nigerians-as-election-countdown-hits-100-days.html

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