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Nigeria News (Standard)

Mary Onyali Endorses Anambra’s Miracle Ezechukwu for Commonwealth Games Medal Push in Glasgow

Former sprint queen says home-based athlete, hailing from her village, has potential to excel if given the nod by AFN

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Former sprint queen says home-based athlete, hailing from her village, has potential to excel if given the nod by AFN

Former Nigerian sprint champion Mary Onyali has declared that Anambra-born sprinter Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu is capable of delivering a medal performance at the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, if she receives an opportunity to compete. Onyali made this known on Thursday while speaking on the prospects of Team Nigeria’s home-based athletes called to camp by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Ezechukwu, who shone at the last National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State in 2025 as part of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) team, also claimed gold in the girls’ 100m U-18 final at the third combined African U18/U20 Championships hosted in Abeokuta. She finished with a time of 11.88 seconds, ahead of IJA captain Rosemary Nwankwo (11.96secs) and Miriam Jegede (12.20secs), helping Team Nigeria dominate the podium.

Both Ezechukwu and Nwankwo hail from Anambra State and began their athletics journey together in Ilorin during the 2019 edition of the National Youth Games as part of Team Anambra. Notably, Nwankwo is from Mbaukwu village—the same village where Onyali herself was born—further deepening the connection between past and present generations of Nigerian female sprinters.

Onyali stressed that nurturing young home-grown talents like Ezechukwu is critical for Nigeria’s future success on the international stage. “Miracle has proven herself at national and continental level,” Onyali said. “If given a chance in Glasgow, she can surprise many people.” The AFN has not yet released its final list for Glasgow, but officials say selection will be based on current form and readiness.

The Athletics Federation is expected to announce its squad for Glasgow after ongoing trials. Stakeholders say Ezechukwu’s inclusion would reflect AFN’s commitment to rewarding talent discovered through grassroots programmes.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/this-miracle-can-flow-in-glasgow-onyali/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

FG Secures Release of Six Nigerians Detained in Côte d’Ivoire, Says Official

Foreign Affairs Ministry confirms intervention led to freedom for citizens held since early June, families express relief

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June 27, 2026

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Foreign Affairs Ministry confirms intervention led to freedom for citizens held since early June, families express relief

The Federal Government has secured the release of six Nigerian citizens who were detained in Côte d’Ivoire, according to an official statement issued on Saturday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Nigerians regained their freedom following direct intervention by government authorities.

According to the ministry, the six individuals were held in Ivorian custody after being detained earlier this month. The circumstances leading to their arrest were not disclosed, but officials stated that swift diplomatic engagement with Ivorian counterparts ensured their safe release. “The government acted promptly upon learning of their detention and worked closely with Côte d’Ivoire authorities to resolve the matter amicably,” a ministry official said.

This development comes at a time when concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad have been on the rise. The Foreign Affairs Ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens worldwide and urged all nationals travelling or residing outside the country to comply with local laws and report any challenges to the nearest Nigerian mission.

Family members of those released expressed gratitude to the federal government for its efforts. No details were provided regarding their current location or plans for their return to Nigeria. The ministry did not disclose further information about why the Nigerians were detained, but assured that all necessary consular assistance would continue to be provided.

With this intervention, the government has again emphasised its determination to safeguard Nigerians wherever they may be. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would continue monitoring developments involving citizens overseas and work with foreign governments to ensure their rights and welfare are upheld.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/891048-nigeria-secures-release-of-six-citizens-detained-in-cote-divoire-official.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Onyali Backs Anambra’s Miracle Ezechukwu for Medal Push at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Ex-Olympian urges Athletics Federation of Nigeria to give young sprinter a chance after U-18 gold in Abeokuta

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1 hour ago

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June 27, 2026

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Ex-Olympian urges Athletics Federation of Nigeria to give young sprinter a chance after U-18 gold in Abeokuta

Former African sprint champion and Olympian, Mary Onyali, has thrown her weight behind home-based athlete Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu as a strong medal contender for Nigeria at the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Onyali made the call on Wednesday, urging the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to provide Ezechukwu with an opportunity to represent the country on the global stage.

Ezechukwu, who was among those invited to the national camp by AFN, rose to prominence after an outstanding performance at the last National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in 2025. She clinched gold in the girls’ 100m U-18 final at the third combined African U18/U20 Championships, clocking 11.88 seconds and leading a clean sweep for Team Nigeria. Rosemary Nwankwo, also from Anambra State and captain of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) Team at the festival, finished second with 11.96 seconds while Miriam Jegede took bronze with 12.20 seconds.

Both Miracle Ezechukwu and Rosemary Nwankwo hail from Anambra State and share roots in Mbaukwu village—the same community that produced Onyali herself. The duo began their athletics careers together in 2019 as part of Team Anambra at that year’s National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara State, marking their entry into national sports.

Onyali noted that Ezechukwu’s steady progress is a testament to Nigeria’s grassroots sports development efforts. “Miracle has shown she can compete at top level if given proper support,” Onyali said while speaking about her expectations for Glasgow. The AFN has yet to announce its final squad selection but is expected to focus on homegrown talents who have excelled locally and internationally.

Ezechukwu currently represents N-Youth Sports Academy in Abuja and has been part of Team Nigeria’s international relay squads, including recent appearances at the World Relays in Botswana. With her current form and track record, stakeholders say she could be a key addition to Nigeria’s medal hopes when athletics events begin in Glasgow later this year.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/let-our-miracle-flow-in-glasgow-onyali/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Nigeria Arrests Seven Boko Haram, ISWAP Commanders Returning From Hajj, Minister Confirms

Defence ministry says suspects were apprehended upon arrival in Abuja; authorities intensify efforts against terrorism

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June 27, 2026

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Defence ministry says suspects were apprehended upon arrival in Abuja; authorities intensify efforts against terrorism

Seven suspected commanders of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been arrested by Nigerian security agencies upon their return from the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The arrests took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday, according to the Minister of Defence.

The suspects were reportedly tracked and detained as soon as they landed in the Federal Capital Territory. Security operatives acted on intelligence that linked the individuals to high-profile terrorist activities in the North-East, leading to their immediate apprehension for further investigation.

This development comes as Nigeria continues to battle persistent insecurity in the North-East and Lake Chad Basin region, where both Boko Haram and ISWAP have carried out attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and public infrastructure. The arrest of alleged senior commanders is seen as a significant step in government’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

Minister of Defence stated that the operation was part of enhanced intelligence-sharing among agencies to prevent terrorist groups from regrouping or using international travel for covert movements. He added that authorities are committed to holding all sponsors and operatives accountable under Nigerian law. No further details about the suspects’ identities or charges were released at the time of reporting.

Officials have assured that thorough investigations are underway and any person found complicit will face prosecution. The federal government has called for continued vigilance from citizens and pledged to sustain efforts aimed at restoring peace and security across affected regions.

Nigeria arrests seven notorious terrorists returning from Hajj


Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/891007-updated-nigeria-arrests-seven-boko-haram-iswap-commanders-returning-from-hajj-minister-says.html

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