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Nigeria News (Standard)

FCT Minister Wike Blasts Super Eagles for Missing 2026 World Cup, Cites ‘Unknown Countries’ Qualifying

Minister urges ex-captain Joseph Yobo to convey Nigerians’ disappointment as NFF renews coach’s contract after second consecutive World Cup miss

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3 months ago

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Minister urges ex-captain Joseph Yobo to convey Nigerians’ disappointment as NFF renews coach’s contract after second consecutive World Cup miss

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has openly criticised the Super Eagles for failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, lamenting that even countries he had never heard of secured their spots while Nigeria missed out. Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Gwagwalada-Kuje Road in Abuja, with former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Wike congratulated Yobo for his service to Nigerian football but did not hide his frustration with the current national team. The minister said, “Yes, we have congratulated one of our stars, Joseph Yobo. But let me use this medium through you to tell the Super Eagles: we are not happy.” He further stated that while some were applauding the team, he could not join them because “countries I have never heard of before” qualified for the World Cup while Nigeria did not.

The Super Eagles’ absence from the 2026 World Cup—set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico—comes after a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the final round of CAF play-offs. This marks Nigeria’s second straight failure to reach football’s biggest stage, a development that has left fans and officials frustrated despite having no fewer than 13 Nigerian players active in top European leagues.

Wike instructed Yobo to deliver his message directly to the team. In response to criticism, Yobo previously urged patience with the squad at a charity event last year, emphasising that “it’s about winning, even if it’s a scrappy 1-0,” and warning against harsh criticism that could damage morale. However, Wike’s intervention signals growing political pressure for results.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has since renewed coach Éric Chelle’s contract with new performance targets. Attention is already turning towards qualification for the 2030 World Cup as calls mount for reforms and improved accountability within Nigerian football. Wike’s comments reflect a wider mood of disappointment among Nigerians who expect better from a country with significant football talent.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/wike-blasts-super-eagles-world-cup-failure-2026062417252105608

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Delta Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Ndokwa West

One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road

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3 months ago

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June 27, 2026

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One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two individuals suspected of vandalising electric cables in Ndokwa West Local Government Area on Tuesday, 25 June. The suspects were apprehended around 10:30pm along the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road following a joint operation involving officers from Kwale Police Station and members of the local vigilante group.

According to a statement issued by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the security team acted swiftly on credible intelligence that some persons were removing and stealing electric cables in the area. Upon sighting law enforcement, the suspects attempted to flee the scene, resulting in one of them sustaining injuries during the pursuit. The injured suspect is currently receiving medical attention, while the other is in police custody.

Cable vandalism has become a significant concern in Delta State and across Nigeria, often leading to prolonged power outages and financial losses for communities. The state government has repeatedly called for increased vigilance by residents and closer collaboration with security agencies to combat such crimes.

SP Edafe stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if other individuals are involved in the syndicate. “We urge members of the public to continue providing timely information that can help us protect public infrastructure,” Edafe said in Thursday’s press release.

The police command assured residents that efforts will be intensified to prevent further incidents of cable theft in Ndokwa West and neighbouring communities. Authorities also reminded residents that anyone found engaging in vandalism or aiding such activities would face prosecution according to Nigerian law.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/delta-police-arrest-two-suspected-cable-vandals/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Trump Claims US Military Strikes in Borno Prevented Mass Killing of Christians by ISWAP

Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response

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3 months ago

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June 27, 2026

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Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response

Former United States President Donald Trump has stated that military strikes authorised by his administration in Borno State helped prevent the mass killing of Christians by militants linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Trump made this assertion on Friday during an event held in Washington, where he defended his decision to target terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.

According to Trump, the US military operations significantly reduced attacks on Christian communities in Borno and neighbouring states, which had been facing repeated assaults from ISWAP fighters. He said, “As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations. They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered—thousands and thousands of people were being killed, children, women, old people, just being slaughtered, hacked to death.”

Trump added that the American intervention sent a strong warning to the militants responsible for these attacks. He claimed the strikes discouraged further violence against religious minorities in the region. The former president did not provide specific details regarding the timing or scale of the US operations referenced.

The Nigerian government and security agencies are yet to release any official statement confirming the reported strikes or commenting on Trump’s claims as at press time. In previous years, Borno State and other parts of North-East Nigeria have witnessed repeated attacks targeting both Muslim and Christian communities by various armed groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram.

Security analysts say international military cooperation is often conducted discreetly and that foreign involvement in counter-insurgency operations can carry both diplomatic and security implications for Nigeria. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding Trump’s statements.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/us-strikes-in-nigeria-prevented-mass-killing-of-christians-trump/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State

Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football

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3 months ago

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June 27, 2026

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Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football

Adegboye Onigbinde, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, was buried on Saturday in Modakeke, Osun State. The burial ceremony drew family members, friends, and football stakeholders who came together to pay their last respects to the veteran tactician.

Onigbinde’s funeral was held at his hometown of Modakeke, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected football coaches. Attendees described him as a disciplinarian and a mentor whose contribution to Nigerian football development spanned decades. Many local residents and members of the football community gathered to honour his memory.

Onigbinde rose to national prominence when he managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He is credited with nurturing young talent and promoting professionalism in Nigerian football. His death is considered a significant loss by many in the sports fraternity, particularly those from Osun State and across the South-West geopolitical zone.

Though details of official statements were not available at press time, tributes have continued to pour in from fans and former players who worked with Onigbinde during his long career. They praised his dedication and commitment to raising the profile of Nigerian football on the world stage.

As Nigerians reflect on Onigbinde’s enduring legacy, sports analysts note that his impact will continue through coaches and players he mentored over the years. The Nigerian Football Federation is expected to organise further commemorative events in honour of his service.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/891151-former-super-eagles-coach-adegboye-onigbinde-buried-in-modakeke.html

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