Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
National Sports Commission says new motorsport hub will meet FIA standards as Nigeria faces competition from Rwanda, Morocco, South Africa
National Sports Commission says new motorsport hub will meet FIA standards as Nigeria faces competition from Rwanda, Morocco, South Africa
The federal government has unveiled a $500 million bid to bring Formula 1 racing back to Africa, proposing a brand-new Grand Prix in Abuja. The announcement was made on Monday in the Federal Capital Territory, with the National Sports Commission and Opus Race Promotions leading efforts to secure the global event. If successful, it would mark the first F1 race on African soil since the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1993.
The Abuja plan centres around constructing a world-class motorsport complex that meets strict FIA Grade 1 standards. According to project details released by organisers, the facility will include an international racing circuit, a karting track for youth development, an engineering hub, luxury hotels, restaurants, and a motorsport museum. Stakeholders have already extended invitations to Formula 1’s leadership, seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton—who has previously advocated for an African race—and Tilke Engineers & Architects, renowned for designing top F1 tracks globally.
Nigeria’s push comes as other African countries intensify their own bids. Rwanda is reportedly in direct talks with Formula 1 executives as part of its broader sports-tourism strategy. Morocco is considering major investments in Tangier’s infrastructure, while South Africa is exploring upgrades to Kyalami or the possibility of street races in major cities. Promoters say Nigeria’s large economy and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to expand the sports sector make Abuja an attractive location for F1 investment.
Speaking on behalf of stakeholders, officials from Opus Race Promotions said: “We are committed to delivering a facility that can host not just Formula 1 but also drive local talent and economic growth.” The National Sports Commission added that the project aligns with federal plans to attract foreign investment and boost tourism revenue. While there has been no formal response yet from Formula 1 management or rival bidders, industry experts believe competition will be fierce given Africa’s long absence from the F1 calendar.
If Abuja secures hosting rights, it would position West Africa at the centre of global motorsport for the first time. The current Formula 1 season features races in cities like Melbourne (Australia), Shanghai (China), Silverstone (UK), Miami (USA), Monaco (Monaco), and Abu Dhabi (UAE), but no African destination since 1993. Nigerian officials say they expect clarity on their bid later this year as negotiations continue with all stakeholders.
Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Tells Abuja Court Ethiopian Airlines Jet Was Used for Nigeria Air Unveiling in Sirika Fraud Case
Investigators say aircraft bore Nigeria Air branding for three days before return to Ethiopia; all accused deny allegations
Investigators say aircraft bore Nigeria Air branding for three days before return to Ethiopia; all accused deny allegations
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday told an FCT High Court in Abuja that an Ethiopian Airlines plane was used for the public unveiling of Nigeria Air during the final days of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika’s tenure. The revelation came as part of ongoing trial proceedings against Sirika and three others accused of contract fraud linked to the national carrier project.
According to EFCC investigator Christopher Odofin, who appeared as the agency’s twelfth prosecution witness, the aircraft arrived in Abuja on 27 May 2023 and was displayed with Nigeria Air branding until 29 May. Odofin testified that the plane was quickly flown back to Ethiopia after the ceremony, where its markings were removed. He said this arrangement was made under a charter agreement with Ethiopian Airlines for display purposes only, adding that crew members wore Ethiopian Airlines uniforms and local participants were assembled for photographs at the unveiling.
The EFCC maintains that this arrangement forms part of a broader probe into how multiple contracts were awarded under Sirika’s watch at the Federal Ministry of Aviation, specifically targeting decisions around the Nigeria Air initiative. The commission alleges that a company tied to one of Sirika’s associates benefited from these awards. Investigators said they have reviewed electronic communications, including a voice note allegedly sent by Sirika himself, instructing certain contract processes.
Sirika and his co-defendants, which include his daughter and son-in-law, have pleaded not guilty to all charges. Justice Sylvanus Oriji adjourned further hearings in the case to 10 June. During proceedings, EFCC tendered both documentary evidence and digital recordings it plans to rely on as trial continues.
The Nigeria Air project was unveiled at the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as a flagship attempt to revive a national carrier. However, questions soon emerged about compliance with aviation certification requirements after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority highlighted gaps in readiness. The EFCC has also initiated separate legal action against Sirika in another Abuja court over additional alleged contract fraud.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/nigeria-air-efcc-sirika-ethiopian-plane-trial-2026061116042611645
Nigeria News (Standard)
UEFA Appoints Omar Artan to Officiate Super Cup After World Cup Snub
Referee’s selection for European showpiece follows exclusion from last World Cup, raising questions about officiating standards
Referee’s selection for European showpiece follows exclusion from last World Cup, raising questions about officiating standards
UEFA has appointed Omar Artan as the lead referee for the upcoming UEFA Super Cup, marking a return to high-profile duty for the official who was omitted from the last FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made on Thursday by UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
Artan, who was not selected among the officials for the recent World Cup tournament, will now take charge of one of Europe’s most prestigious club fixtures. The Super Cup pits the winners of the UEFA Champions League against the Europa League champions and is scheduled to hold later this summer at a yet-to-be-disclosed venue.
His appointment comes after widespread debate within football circles over officiating standards at global tournaments. Many observers had noted Artan’s absence from the World Cup referees’ list and questioned FIFA’s criteria for selection. UEFA’s decision to entrust him with the Super Cup is seen by some analysts as a move to reaffirm confidence in his abilities on the big stage.
While neither FIFA nor UEFA has issued public statements explaining Artan’s omission from the World Cup panel, sources within European football suggest that internal assessments and continental priorities played a role. The latest development signals UEFA’s intention to keep top referees active in high-stakes matches despite global selection dynamics.
The football world will watch closely as Artan takes charge of the Super Cup encounter, with many expecting his performance to influence future appointments at both continental and international levels.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Super Eagles Ranked Second-Highest Among Teams Missing 2026 FIFA World Cup
Nigeria trails only Egypt in latest FIFA ranking of nations absent from North America tournament, highlighting missed opportunity
Nigeria trails only Egypt in latest FIFA ranking of nations absent from North America tournament, highlighting missed opportunity
The Super Eagles have emerged as the second-highest ranked national team not participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the latest FIFA global football rankings released on Thursday. The announcement places Nigeria just behind Egypt among the notable African footballing nations that failed to secure a spot at the upcoming tournament slated for the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The new rankings were published by FIFA following the conclusion of World Cup qualifying matches across various continents. Nigeria, who had been widely tipped as favourites to qualify from their group, missed out on a ticket after failing to secure enough points during the qualification campaign. Egypt, also a traditional powerhouse in African football, similarly did not make it through.
This development comes as a major disappointment for Nigerian football fans and stakeholders, who had high expectations following the Super Eagles’ strong showing at previous Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and their history of regular World Cup appearances. Nigeria’s absence means West Africa will be represented by other countries such as Ghana and Senegal, while North Africa will rely on Morocco and Algeria.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to issue an official statement in reaction to the rankings or the missed qualification. However, football analysts say the development underscores the need for urgent reforms within the national team set-up. Calls have intensified among supporters for changes in coaching staff and youth development strategies ahead of future competitions.
With global attention now shifting towards preparations for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigerian football authorities are expected to review their qualification campaign and chart a new path forward. Stakeholders maintain that building a more competitive squad and improving administrative structures will be crucial if Nigeria is to reclaim its place among world football’s elite at subsequent tournaments.
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