Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigeria Faces Power Shortages Despite Africa’s Hydropower Growth, New Report Reveals
Study highlights steady rise in hydropower capacity across continent, while Nigerians continue to experience erratic electricity supply
Study highlights steady rise in hydropower capacity across continent, while Nigerians continue to experience erratic electricity supply
A recent report has shown that although hydropower generation is recording significant growth across Africa, Nigeria still grapples with persistent electricity shortages. The findings, published on Wednesday, indicate that despite the continent’s overall progress in renewable energy, millions of Nigerians remain affected by unreliable power supply.
According to the report, several African countries have ramped up investments in hydropower infrastructure over recent years, leading to increased capacity and improved access to electricity in some regions. However, Nigeria—the continent’s most populous nation—continues to fall short of meeting its domestic energy needs due to a combination of ageing infrastructure and underinvestment in the power sector.
The study notes that Nigeria’s reliance on hydroelectric dams such as Kainji and Jebba has not been sufficient to address the country’s growing demand for electricity. This has resulted in frequent power outages and heavy dependence on alternative sources like diesel generators, which place additional financial burdens on households and businesses. Experts say the situation is compounded by inadequate grid maintenance and delays in completing new hydro projects.
While some stakeholders have urged government to prioritise expansion and rehabilitation of hydropower facilities, others stress the need for a diversified approach that includes solar and wind investments. The report also points out that effective regulatory reforms and transparent funding are critical for boosting Nigeria’s generation capacity.
As neighbouring countries continue to expand their renewable energy portfolios, analysts warn that failure to address Nigeria’s power challenges could hamper economic development and deter foreign investment. The report calls for urgent action from policymakers to ensure stable electricity supply for all Nigerians.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Troost-Ekong Faults Nwabali’s Exit from Chippa United Without Securing New Club After AFCON
Former Super Eagles captain says goalkeeper’s early departure from South African side leaves career prospects uncertain
Former Super Eagles captain says goalkeeper’s early departure from South African side leaves career prospects uncertain
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has criticised Stanley Nwabali’s decision to leave Chippa United before finding a new club, warning it could complicate the goalkeeper’s professional trajectory. Troost-Ekong voiced his concerns on Tuesday while reflecting on Nwabali’s status following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Nigeria finished third in Morocco.
Nwabali, who emerged as the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper during the 2023 AFCON and further cemented his place with strong performances in the 2025 edition, opted to request an early release from his contract with Chippa United in February 2026. The termination came four months ahead of schedule, with both parties agreeing to part ways so Nwabali could pursue opportunities outside South Africa for better competition and improved earnings.
The move initially appeared justified, as Nwabali was at the peak of his form and attracting attention across Africa following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the continental tournament. However, Troost-Ekong has now stated that leaving without securing a firm deal elsewhere puts unnecessary pressure on Nwabali. “Making such a move without having another club lined up is a risky step for any player, especially after such a successful run with the national team,” Troost-Ekong said.
Nwabali’s departure has left his immediate playing future unclear, despite speculation linking him to bigger clubs within and outside Africa. Football observers note that while Nigerian players often seek moves abroad after strong AFCON showings, failure to secure contracts can lead to prolonged periods without competitive action and affect their standing in both club and national teams.
It remains uncertain where Nwabali will play next season, as negotiations reportedly continue with several interested clubs. Analysts say his situation highlights the importance of careful career planning for Nigerian footballers seeking to capitalise on international exposure.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Favour Ashe Wins 100m National Title in Lagos After Setback at Accra African Championships
Sprinter bounces back with 9.93s finish at YABATECH, credits personal struggles for renewed focus and success
Sprinter bounces back with 9.93s finish at YABATECH, credits personal struggles for renewed focus and success
Nigeria’s fastest man, Favour Oghenetejiri Ashe, reclaimed his spot at the top of national athletics on Tuesday after winning the men’s 100 metres final at the Commonwealth Games National Trials held at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos. Ashe clocked an impressive 9.93 seconds in the final, surpassing his previous season best and marking his second national title.
The competition saw Ashe first ease into the finals with a 9.98-second run in the semifinals, before dominating a strong field of sprinters in the final race. The event was widely attended, with spectators rising to applaud Ashe’s return to form following his disappointing performance at the recent Africa Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana.
Ashe had gone to Accra with high hopes but ended up without a medal—a result that left him struggling personally and professionally. Speaking to journalists after his victory in Lagos, Ashe admitted he battled depression as a result of his performance in Ghana. He described the experience as a wake-up call that pushed him to re-evaluate his training and mental readiness.
“After what happened in Accra, I was really down,” Ashe said during a post-race interview. “But I used that disappointment as motivation to work harder and retune my approach to training and competition.”
With this latest victory and a confirmed wind reading of +0.5, Ashe has not only improved on his personal best for 2024 but also sent a strong signal ahead of upcoming international competitions. Athletics stakeholders say his performance is proof that Nigerian athletes can overcome setbacks with determination and proper support from coaches and sports authorities. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria is expected to announce the final list of athletes representing Nigeria at major meets later this year.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/accra-disappointment-was-fillip-to-retune-my-career-says-ashe/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame Launches Ibile Divisional Championships at Agege Stadium
Winners from five Lagos divisions to qualify for Governor’s Belt as state targets new boxing talents
Winners from five Lagos divisions to qualify for Governor’s Belt as state targets new boxing talents
The Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) will kick off the Ibile Divisional Boxing Championships at Agege Stadium, Ikeja, on Thursday, June 27, aiming to discover fresh amateur talents across Lagos State. The event, organised in partnership with the Lagos Amateur Boxing Association (LABA), marks the start of a new competition format covering Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe divisions.
According to organisers, the monthly championship will see boxers from each division compete for spots at the end-of-year Governor’s Belt Championship. The opening bouts in Ikeja will determine those advancing to the grand finale later this year. As part of preparations, a trial and qualification event was held at Teslim Balogun Stadium Gymnasium on Wednesday.
LBHF Director David Mohamed described the Ibile Divisional Championships as a strategic initiative to expand grassroots boxing and prepare athletes for major national competitions. “The idea is to use this platform to discover new talents and strengthen Lagos’ representation at events like the National Youth Games, National Sports Festival, and the upcoming Intermediate Games that Lagos will host in October,” Mohamed said.
He explained that the project was initiated by Wale Edun, founder of LBHF and current president. Mohamed added that the divisional approach would ensure wider participation across local government areas and create a steady pipeline of boxers progressing through state and national ranks.
With Lagos set to host the maiden edition of the Intermediate Games in October, stakeholders say sustained investments in amateur boxing are crucial for maintaining Lagos’ dominance on Nigeria’s sports stage. The organisers expect robust turnout from all five divisions as boxers vie for qualification and a chance to represent their constituencies at higher levels.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/lbhfs-ibile-divisional-boxing-championships-begin-in-ikeja/
