Nigeria News (Standard)
Eight Nigerians Compete as PFL Africa Brings 26 Fighters to Lagos Showdown
MMA event at Eko Hotels features undefeated contenders and pits Nigeria’s Joy Ukah against Zambia’s Shelda Chipito
MMA event at Eko Hotels features undefeated contenders and pits Nigeria’s Joy Ukah against Zambia’s Shelda Chipito
Some of Africa’s most talented mixed martial artists, including eight Nigerians, have gathered in Lagos for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa card, which kicked off yesterday at Eko Hotels and Suites. The event features 26 fighters from across the continent, all vying for top points in their respective categories as they seek to establish themselves as champions on African soil.
The tournament is set to deliver 13 fights, promising a night filled with suspense, glamour and high-level competition for MMA fans in Nigeria. Among the headline bouts is the much-anticipated strawweight contest between Zambian fighter Shelda Chipito and Nigeria’s own Joy Ukah, a serving policewoman. Speaking ahead of her fight, Chipito expressed confidence, stating that she came to Lagos to prove why she is highly rated on the global MMA stage.
General Manager of PFL Africa, Elias Schulze, presented the fighters to fans during a ceremony attended by both local and international athletes. Notably present were featherweight contenders Wasi Adeshina of Nigeria and Nacho Campos from Spain, who joined Schulze at the official presentation. Several of the fighters taking part have never lost in their professional careers, each determined to defend their records and legacies before an enthusiastic Nigerian crowd.
The Lagos event marks a significant step for mixed martial arts development in West Africa, offering local athletes an opportunity to test themselves against international opposition without leaving home soil. For many Nigerian fighters, participating in a world-class event such as PFL Africa is a rare chance to gain exposure and experience in front of home supporters.
With MMA continuing to grow in popularity across Nigeria and the continent at large, organisers say the successful staging of PFL Africa in Lagos could pave the way for more major competitions and further investment in combat sports infrastructure.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/eight-nigerians-26-warriors-on-edge-as-pfl-lagos-holds/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ibom Air Begins Flights at New Uyo International Terminal, Boosts Domestic Connectivity
Airline moves domestic operations to upgraded Akwa Ibom facility, aiming to improve passenger experience and regional travel
Airline moves domestic operations to upgraded Akwa Ibom facility, aiming to improve passenger experience and regional travel
Ibom Air commenced its domestic flight operations at the newly completed Uyo International Terminal in Akwa Ibom State on Monday, marking a significant step in enhancing air travel infrastructure in the South-South region. The airline, which is wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, relocated its operations from the old terminal to the upgraded facility as at 15 June 2026.
The transition saw Ibom Air handling all inbound and outbound domestic flights from the new terminal on the first day of service. Airport officials supervised the process to ensure a smooth migration for travellers, with ground staff guiding passengers through check-in and boarding procedures at the state-of-the-art building. The opening is expected to decongest the old terminal and provide improved amenities for both airlines and customers.
Akwa Ibom State has invested heavily in aviation infrastructure in recent years, positioning Uyo as a major hub for domestic flights in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. The new international terminal features expanded departure lounges, advanced security systems, and increased capacity for both passengers and airlines. The development comes amid rising demand for air travel within Nigeria, especially as road transport faces security and logistics challenges across many states.
Although no official statement was immediately available from Ibom Air management or Akwa Ibom State Government at press time, stakeholders have welcomed the move as a boost for regional connectivity. Travel analysts say relocating domestic operations will help streamline flight schedules and support economic activities linked to tourism and business travel in Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states.
With full operations now underway at the new terminal, attention will shift to how quickly other airlines follow suit and whether international carriers will begin scheduled services into Uyo. Aviation observers note that sustained improvements at Victor Attah International Airport could attract more investment into Akwa Ibom’s growing transport sector.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Netherlands Hold Japan to 2-2 Draw in FIFA World Cup Thriller
Both sides score late goals as Group B contest in Rotterdam ends level, leaving qualification hopes open
Both sides score late goals as Group B contest in Rotterdam ends level, leaving qualification hopes open
The Netherlands and Japan played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in their Group B clash at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, with both teams sharing points at the Rotterdam Stadium on Monday. The result leaves both nations with everything to play for in their quest for a place in the knockout stage.
The match saw the Dutch take an early lead before Japan responded strongly to equalise before half-time. In the second half, Japan appeared set for victory after taking a 2-1 advantage, but a late goal from the Netherlands ensured that the spoils were shared. Both sets of players delivered an energetic display, thrilling supporters inside the packed stadium.
This outcome keeps Group B finely poised, with each point now crucial for progression. For Nigerian football fans monitoring the competition, these results may influence potential knockout stage opponents for African representatives if they advance from their own group. The competitive nature of this encounter demonstrates the high standard at this year’s World Cup.
Neither coach addressed the media immediately after full time, but analysts say both teams will need to sharpen their finishing ahead of decisive fixtures later this week. With only one group game left for each side, attention now shifts to their final matches where qualification hopes will be decided.
Fans across Nigeria and beyond are watching closely as the tournament progresses, with every result shaping possible routes to the latter stages. Group B remains wide open following this dramatic encounter in Rotterdam.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ijaw, Urhobo Leaders Urge Protesters to Vacate Warri Oil Facilities After Tinubu’s Intervention
Traditional rulers appeal for calm in Delta State as President Tinubu steps in to address lingering dispute over oil resources
Traditional rulers appeal for calm in Delta State as President Tinubu steps in to address lingering dispute over oil resources
Ijaw and Urhobo leaders in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State, have called on protesters occupying major oil facilities to vacate the premises following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu on Monday. The traditional leaders issued the directive after days of demonstrations that disrupted crude oil production in the region.
The protests began last week across several communities in Warri South-West and Warri South LGAs, with youths and stakeholders demanding improved resource allocation and resolution of longstanding grievances over land ownership and revenue sharing from oil operations. The situation escalated when protesters blocked access roads to flow stations and threatened further action if their demands were not met.
President Tinubu’s involvement came after reports indicated that Nigeria’s daily crude output had dropped due to the disruptions. The Presidency dispatched a high-level delegation to engage with community leaders and oil company representatives, assuring all parties that government would address their concerns through dialogue. The move followed warnings from industry experts about the potential impact on national revenue and energy security if the standoff persisted.
In a joint statement released after a closed-door meeting in Warri, Ijaw and Urhobo traditional rulers urged protesters to leave all oil installations immediately, citing President Tinubu’s promise to set up a mediation panel. “We acknowledge the pain felt by our people but appeal for restraint as government has shown readiness to listen,” one of the leaders said during the briefing. Community elders also warned against any further damage to critical infrastructure, stressing that peaceful negotiation remained the best path forward.
Government is expected to announce details of its mediation plan later this week. Oil industry observers say restoring normal operations quickly is crucial for Delta State’s economy and Nigeria’s overall production targets.
Ibom Air Begins Flights at New Uyo International Terminal, Boosts Domestic Connectivity
Netherlands Hold Japan to 2-2 Draw in FIFA World Cup Thriller
Ijaw, Urhobo Leaders Urge Protesters to Vacate Warri Oil Facilities After Tinubu’s Intervention
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