Thirteen associations, including Nigeria’s CAF allies, reject Ceferin’s comments on ‘uninteresting’ matches and defend tournament expansion

A coalition of football federations from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean has publicly criticised UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin for his recent remarks regarding the FIFA World Cup’s expanded format. The joint statement was released on Friday and includes support from major African football nations, with reactions also monitored in Lagos and Abuja.

The controversy began after Ceferin was quoted describing several World Cup matches as ‘uninteresting’, a comment that has sparked widespread condemnation among the 13 federations involved. Signatories to the communique include Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Congo, Haiti, as well as Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa—all of which are members or close partners of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The issue has drawn attention within Nigerian football circles due to its potential impact on the continent’s representation at global tournaments. Many stakeholders have long advocated for increased African participation at the FIFA World Cup. The federations argued in their statement that every World Cup match is significant not only for the players but also for fans across participating countries. They emphasised that qualification itself is a historic achievement for many nations.

According to the joint statement: ‘We reject any characterisation of our matches as uninteresting. Each fixture carries meaning and pride for our people.’ The group further stated that such remarks undermine efforts to promote inclusivity and growth in world football. UEFA has yet to respond to the communiqué as at press time.

The dispute comes as FIFA prepares to implement its planned World Cup expansion, which will see more teams from Africa and other regions participate in future editions. Observers say continued disagreement between FIFA and UEFA could affect negotiations over tournament structure and allocation of slots. For now, CAF members remain united in defending their right to compete on football’s biggest stage.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/fifa-wc-row-deepens-as-13-federations-condemn-uefa-chief/

Command confirms deceased was not a resident; viral video sparks concern as probe seeks to clarify circumstances

Ogun State Police Command has commenced investigation into the death of one Obikoya Adewale, who was discovered hanged inside a house in the Molode area of Sabo, Ijebu-Ode, on Saturday. The incident, which quickly drew public attention after a video showing Adewale’s lifeless body surfaced online, has raised questions about how the deceased gained access to the property.

According to voices heard in the viral footage, Adewale was not known to be a resident of the apartment where his body was found. Community members expressed shock at the discovery, noting that he appeared to have entered the premises solely for the purpose of ending his life. The case has prompted increased vigilance among residents and concern over mental health awareness in the area.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday from Abeokuta. He stated that police operatives are working to unravel all circumstances leading to Adewale’s death. “The Command is investigating all angles and will update members of the public as facts emerge,” Babaseyi said.

Police have urged residents with relevant information to come forward and assist with ongoing enquiries. As at press time, no further details about possible motives or links to other incidents had been released by authorities. The investigation is expected to address lingering community concerns and provide clarity on how such an incident occurred within a non-residential property.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-launch-investigation-as-man-hangs-self-in-ogun/

Former lawmaker alleges breach of diplomatic protocol as officials meet detained Nigerians in Addis Ababa

A former senator has criticised the conduct of a federal minister during a recent official visit to Nigerian prisoners held in Ethiopia, raising concerns about diplomatic procedures and the welfare of citizens abroad. The incident occurred in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, earlier this week during an official delegation’s meeting with Nigerians incarcerated in the country.

According to the ex-senator, who spoke after the visit, the minister’s approach did not follow established diplomatic protocols expected of such high-level engagements. The lawmaker expressed dissatisfaction with both the tone and method adopted by the minister when addressing the detainees, suggesting that it may have undermined Nigeria’s standing and the morale of those imprisoned.

The issue has drawn attention within Nigeria’s foreign policy circles, especially as families of those detained have long called for more robust intervention from government officials. Many Nigerians are currently serving jail terms in Ethiopian prisons on various charges, and advocacy groups have repeatedly urged the federal government to ensure their rights are protected and due process followed.

Neither the ministry nor members of the official delegation have issued a public statement addressing these criticisms. Diplomatic sources indicate that efforts are ongoing to improve communication between Nigerian missions abroad and citizens facing legal challenges. Meanwhile, rights advocates continue to call for transparent engagement and adherence to international standards when dealing with cases involving Nigerians overseas.

Observers say this development may prompt further scrutiny of how Nigerian officials interact with citizens abroad, especially in countries where legal systems differ significantly from Nigeria’s. The Senate Committee on Diaspora Affairs is expected to review recent diplomatic missions’ activities as part of its oversight responsibilities.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887638-ex-senator-criticises-ministers-conduct-during-visit-to-nigerian-prisoners-in-ethiopia.html