Nigeria News (Standard)
Ashe Sets New National Record With 9.93s Win at Lagos Commonwealth Games Trials
Sprinter storms to victory in 100m final, becoming fastest Nigerian on home soil ahead of Commonwealth selection
Sprinter storms to victory in 100m final, becoming fastest Nigerian on home soil ahead of Commonwealth selection
Nigerian athlete Favour Ashe delivered a historic performance at the national Commonwealth Games trials in Lagos on Tuesday, racing to a sensational 9.93 seconds in the men’s 100 metres final. The feat, achieved at the Yaba College of Technology stadium, marks the fastest time ever recorded by a Nigerian sprinter on home soil and secures Ashe’s place at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
The event saw Ashe dominate the field from start to finish, crossing the line well ahead of his rivals and thrilling fans who had gathered to witness Nigeria’s top athletes compete for places on the national team. His time of 9.93 seconds not only clinched him the national title but also set a new benchmark for Nigerian sprinting at home competitions.
This victory is significant for Nigeria’s athletics community as it comes amid renewed efforts by officials to improve performance levels ahead of major international events. The performance by Ashe puts him among Africa’s elite sprinters and raises hopes for Nigeria’s medal prospects at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.
Following the race, national selectors confirmed that Ashe’s result meets all qualification standards for international competition. Athletics Federation officials described his achievement as a major boost for Team Nigeria’s preparations. However, other athletes and coaches have called on government and sponsors to invest more in facilities and grassroots development to sustain such progress.
With trials concluded, attention now shifts to final team selection for the Commonwealth Games. Athletics enthusiasts say Ashe’s breakthrough could inspire a new generation of sprinters while raising expectations for Nigeria on the global stage.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Enugu Lawyer Sues Federal Government Over Military Checkpoints in South-East
Suit alleges roadblocks violate citizens’ rights; federal authorities yet to respond to legal challenge
Suit alleges roadblocks violate citizens’ rights; federal authorities yet to respond to legal challenge
A lawyer based in Enugu State has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, challenging the continued presence of military checkpoints across the South-East region. The suit, lodged on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Enugu, describes the checkpoints as ‘oppressive’ and an infringement on the fundamental rights of residents.
According to court documents, the legal practitioner is seeking a declaration that the mounting of military roadblocks on highways and major roads within the South-East constitutes a violation of Nigerians’ right to freedom of movement as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution. The lawyer argues that these checkpoints have subjected commuters to undue hardship, delays, and extortion by security personnel.
The issue of military presence in the South-East has remained contentious since security operations intensified in the region. Many residents and civil society groups have complained about daily gridlock and alleged harassment at various checkpoints spanning states such as Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu.
As at press time, no official response had been issued by federal authorities or the Nigerian Army regarding the lawsuit. Efforts to obtain comments from security agencies were unsuccessful. The federal government maintains that security measures in the region are intended to curb violent attacks and protect lives and property.
Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how far security agencies can go in deploying roadblocks under Nigeria’s constitutional framework. The court is expected to fix a date for hearing after reviewing initial submissions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NAHCON Concludes 2026 Hajj Airlift, Moves to Kickstart 2027 Pilgrimage Plans
Commission wraps up return of final batch of pilgrims, initiates early preparations for next year’s exercise
Commission wraps up return of final batch of pilgrims, initiates early preparations for next year’s exercise
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has completed the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims returning from the 2026 Hajj, and has commenced preliminary arrangements for the 2027 pilgrimage. The last flight carrying pilgrims from Saudi Arabia arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday, marking the official end of this year’s return operations.
According to NAHCON, all registered pilgrims who travelled for the 2026 Hajj from across states in Nigeria have now been brought back home. The commission noted that the exercise ran according to schedule and involved coordination between state Muslim pilgrim welfare boards, airlines, and Saudi authorities at various departure points.
The successful conclusion of this year’s airlift is significant given previous years where delays and logistical challenges affected some return journeys. The timely completion is expected to reduce complaints and improve confidence among intending pilgrims and stakeholders ahead of future exercises.
NAHCON stated that it has now shifted focus to planning for the 2027 Hajj. The commission said it will immediately begin consultations with stakeholders including state boards, airlines, and Saudi partners to streamline registration and logistics processes. NAHCON assured intending pilgrims that lessons learned from the just-concluded exercise will inform better service delivery in subsequent years.
With Hajj being a major religious obligation for Nigerian Muslims, early preparations are considered crucial in addressing travel bottlenecks and accommodation issues. NAHCON said details regarding guidelines and timelines for next year’s pilgrimage will be released in due course.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NFF Confirms Finidi George to Manage Super Eagles and U-23 Team Ahead of New Contract
Nigeria Football Federation says dual role will not affect preparations for upcoming AFCON qualifiers and Olympic campaign
Nigeria Football Federation says dual role will not affect preparations for upcoming AFCON qualifiers and Olympic campaign
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced that Finidi George will continue as head coach of the Super Eagles while also overseeing the national U-23 side, ahead of his expected contract renewal. The decision was made public on Tuesday, 23 June, in Abuja, following months of speculation about his future with both teams.
According to NFF officials, Finidi will combine responsibilities for the senior national team and the Olympic Eagles as Nigeria prepares for a packed football calendar. The NFF clarified that the arrangement is temporary pending the signing of a new contract with George, who took charge of the Super Eagles earlier this year after serving as an assistant coach.
The move comes at a time when Nigerian football faces heightened expectations after recent performances at continental tournaments. Stakeholders have expressed concern over possible divided attention, but NFF leadership insists that the dual role will ensure continuity and allow for better talent transition between age-grade and senior teams. “We believe this is in the best interest of Nigerian football at this critical time,” an NFF board member said during Tuesday’s briefing.
Finidi’s contract renewal talks are reportedly in advanced stages, with both parties seeking clarity on deliverables for upcoming fixtures, including AFCON qualifiers and Olympic Games preparations. The coach is expected to name his technical crew soon, balancing commitments across both squads. While some football analysts have questioned the feasibility of combining two demanding roles, NFF officials maintain that support structures are in place to aid Finidi’s work.
As at press time, no date has been set for the formal signing ceremony. However, NFF says it will provide further updates once negotiations conclude. Supporters and former internationals have urged all parties to prioritise stability as Nigeria aims for success on multiple fronts in 2026.
Enugu Lawyer Sues Federal Government Over Military Checkpoints in South-East
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