Nigeria News (Standard)
Ghana Coach Queiroz Slams VAR Decision in Goalless Draw Against England at Gillette Stadium
Portuguese tactician insists Black Stars were denied a clear penalty and red card as VAR controversy overshadows World Cup clash
Portuguese tactician insists Black Stars were denied a clear penalty and red card as VAR controversy overshadows World Cup clash
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has criticised the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials following the Black Stars’ goalless draw with England at the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Tuesday, accusing them of ignoring what he described as a ‘clear penalty’ and red card incident that could have changed the outcome for his team. The Group stage encounter, which saw Ghana execute a disciplined defensive display, ended without goals, but not without post-match controversy.
The contentious moment occurred in the second half when Ghanaian substitute Prince Adu broke through England’s defence and appeared to be brought down by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford inside the penalty area. Despite protests from the Ghana bench and players, neither the on-field referee nor VAR awarded a penalty or issued a red card to Pickford, prompting outrage from Queiroz.
Speaking during his post-match press conference, Queiroz praised his side’s discipline but expressed deep frustration with the officiating. ‘A clear penalty, red card. Do you have any doubts about that? You guys who saw the game, have any doubts about that? Or is it only me that was in the game?’ he queried, suggesting sarcastically that VAR officials were ‘on vacation’ or had ‘gone for a coffee’ during the crucial phase of play.
The result leaves Ghana with one point in their FIFA World Cup group campaign, while England also picked up a point. The Black Stars’ solid 4-5-1 formation frustrated England’s attacking line-up for most of the match. The controversy surrounding VAR decisions has reignited debate among African football stakeholders about officiating standards at major tournaments and their impact on teams from the continent.
With Ghana set to face their next group opponent later in the week, Queiroz’s comments are expected to draw scrutiny from FIFA officials regarding VAR protocols and referee performance. The Ghana Football Association has not issued an official protest as at press time.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/queiroz-berates-var-for-denying-ghana-clear-penalty-against-england/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Minister Tegbe Unveils Plan for 277GW Power Capacity by 2060, Presidency Rejects Claims on Tinubu’s Re-election Promise
Federal government targets massive energy expansion with renewables as Presidency dismisses reports on Tinubu’s alleged electricity pledge
Federal government targets massive energy expansion with renewables as Presidency dismisses reports on Tinubu’s alleged electricity pledge
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has announced that Nigeria is set to pursue an ambitious target of increasing the nation’s installed electricity capacity to 277 gigawatts (GW) by the year 2060. Speaking on Monday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Renewable Energy Outlook Conference held at Commerce House in Lagos, Tegbe said government’s energy transition agenda will focus on leveraging renewable resources and private sector investment to tackle energy poverty and drive industrial growth.
Tegbe highlighted that the plan forms part of government’s broader strategy to address both climate change and the persistent lack of adequate power supply across the country. According to him, boosting power generation is central to Nigeria’s economic competitiveness and long-term development. The minister explained that by focusing on renewables, government aims to improve access for millions of Nigerians currently facing unreliable electricity, while also meeting global climate commitments.
He stated: “Nigeria’s energy transition agenda is designed not only to tackle climate concerns but also to address energy poverty, improve industrial competitiveness and create jobs.” Tegbe added that achieving this target would require significant investments from both public and private sectors, as well as policy reforms to attract investors into the power sector.
Meanwhile, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, has refuted claims circulating online that President Tinubu vowed not to seek re-election if he failed to substantially improve power supply during his tenure. Onanuga described such reports as false and misleading, insisting that the President has not made any such commitment regarding his political future or electricity targets.
The power sector remains a critical challenge for Nigeria’s development, with frequent outages affecting businesses and households nationwide. Stakeholders at the conference urged government to prioritise implementation of reforms and ensure transparency in project execution. Experts say realising a 277GW capacity will depend on stable policy direction, sustained funding, and effective regulation over the coming decades.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Economists Gather in Uyo to Assess Nigeria’s Debt and Poverty Under Buhari, Tinubu Administrations
Experts to review monetary policy, food security, and manufacturing as Akpan Ekpo Centre hosts national dialogue at UniUyo
Experts to review monetary policy, food security, and manufacturing as Akpan Ekpo Centre hosts national dialogue at UniUyo
Leading economists and policy experts will converge on Uyo, Akwa Ibom State this Friday for a national dialogue aimed at appraising Nigeria’s economic performance since 2015. The event, holding at the University of Uyo and convened by the Akpan Ekpo Centre for Public Policy, is set to address critical issues such as the country’s rising debt profile, persistent poverty, governance record, and manufacturing sector challenges.
The forum is being organised in honour of renowned economist and public policy scholar, Professor Akpan Hogan Ekpo, who will deliver the keynote address as he marks his 72nd birthday. According to organisers, participants will include academics and senior stakeholders from across the country’s economic landscape.
Among those scheduled to speak are Professor Chikanele Asuru, who will focus on trends in monetary and fiscal policy, labour market dynamics, poverty rates and growing inequality. Professor Emmanuel Onwioduokit is expected to examine Nigeria’s debt management approach in recent years—including under both President Muhammadu Buhari (APC) and President Bola Tinubu (APC)—and offer recommendations for sustainable fiscal practices.
The dialogue comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with inflationary pressures that have pushed food prices higher and worsened living conditions for millions. The National Bureau of Statistics recently reported inflation above 30 percent, while unemployment remains a pressing concern. Many observers say effective policy responses are urgently needed to reverse declining manufacturing output and ensure food security.
Stakeholders at the event are expected to produce recommendations for government action on key challenges affecting ordinary citizens. The outcomes from the Uyo dialogue may inform future interventions by federal ministries as well as legislative oversight by the National Assembly. As at press time, no official government statement had been released regarding anticipated responses to the dialogue’s resolutions.
Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/economists-to-appraise-nigerias-performance-at-uyo-dialogue/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Manufacturers Association Reports ₦1.9trn Decline in Bank Credit as Capacity Utilisation Falls Nationwide
MAN urges urgent reduction of benchmark interest rate after sector credit drops to ₦6.61trn by end of 2025
MAN urges urgent reduction of benchmark interest rate after sector credit drops to ₦6.61trn by end of 2025
Bank lending to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector has dropped sharply by ₦1.92 trillion, falling from ₦8.53 trillion in December 2024 to ₦6.61 trillion at the close of 2025, according to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). The development, which MAN described as a severe financial constraint, has led to reduced capacity utilisation and job losses across the country.
The Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, disclosed this data on Tuesday while highlighting the challenges manufacturers are facing amid declining commercial credit from banks. He stated that the manufacturing sector experienced a significant 22.5 percent contraction in bank credit allocation within the year—one of the largest drops among all major economic sectors, with only general services posting a higher shortfall at 25 percent.
Ajayi-Kadir explained that the reduction in available credit has suppressed manufacturers’ ability to operate at optimal levels, stagnated their contribution to Nigeria’s GDP, and intensified price pressures due to production shortfalls. He warned that unless urgent steps are taken, including an adjustment in monetary policy, the sector’s performance would remain hampered.
“The present funding arrangement is not sustainable for our members or the wider economy,” Ajayi-Kadir said, urging monetary authorities to lower the benchmark interest rate by at least 200 basis points over the next two quarters. He emphasised that improved access to affordable financing is critical if manufacturers are to boost output and sustain jobs amid current economic headwinds.
MAN called on policymakers and relevant agencies to urgently address these concerns through coordinated interventions targeting lower lending rates and better access to long-term capital for industrial players. Without such action, stakeholders warned that further contractions could undermine Nigeria’s ambitions for industrial growth and economic diversification.
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