This was confirmed after the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, released the list of invited players on Wednesday afternoon.
The head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has left Victor Osimhen and Ademola out of his squad for play Ghana in the Unity Cup.
Osimhen and Lookman will also miss Nigeria’s games against Russia.
However, there is a return for goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, Frank Onyeka, Kelechi Iheanacho and captain Ahmed Musa.
Members of the Benue state All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the National Assembly have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.
They also urged Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, to collaborate with the federal government in addressing the rising insecurity in the state.
The endorsement was announced on Wednesday during a press briefing at the National Assembly.
The caucus comprises two senators and 12 members of the house of representatives.
The senators are Titus Zam and Emmanuel Udende.
The house of representatives members are Dickson Tarkighir, David Ogewu, Sesoo Ikpagher, Terseer Ugbor and Asema Achado.
Others include Philip Agbese, Sekav Iyoryom, Regina Akume, Blessing Onuh and Solomon Wombo.
Speaking on behalf of the group, one of the lawmakers said: “We believe in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and we stand firmly behind his second term bid.”
We, however, call on Governor Hyacinth Alia to prioritise collaboration with the federal government in tackling the persistent insecurity in Benue state.”
A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday in the Gbagi Market area of Egbeda Local Government, Oyo State, when a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer struck and killed a student on his way to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The lifeless body of a secondary school boy, Taiwo, who was writing the 2025 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams, and was killed by a stray bullet, was on Tuesday brought to the Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
According to eyewitnesses, the student was riding on a motorcycle with his father and twin brother when the bullet hit him. The officer was reportedly in pursuit of a fleeing vehicle when he opened fire, and one of the bullets struck the student.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital, Welfare Hospital, but was later referred to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead.
Angry protesters, led by the father of the deceased, were seen demanding immediate justice for the boy, who was allegedly shot by a police officer while attempting to apprehend a traffic offender.
Addressing the protesters who stormed the state secretariat in large numbers, the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya, assured the father of the deceased that the state government would ensure justice is served in the case.
In a joint statement issued in Ibadan on Monday, the leaders described the move as a distortion of tradition and a threat to the unity of royal institutions in the state.
Traditional rulers and influential stakeholders from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland have firmly rejected a legislative proposal by the Oyo State House of Assembly that seeks to make the Alaafin of Oyo the permanent chairman of the state’s Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The statement was endorsed by Mogajis, Baales, monarchs, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative (ICPI), prominent natives of Ibadanland, and representatives of the Soun Ruling Houses in Ogbomoso.
The proposed amendment to the chieftaincy law, which passed second reading in the House last Thursday, would install the Alaafin as the permanent head of the council.
In the event of his absence, the Olubadan of Ibadanland would chair the council, followed by the Soun of Ogbomoso if both are unavailable.
But opponents argue the law undermines long-standing tradition and fairness.
The chairmanship of the council has always been rotational and should remain so to reflect equity among all royal stools in the state,” the statement read.
President of the Ibadan Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, and ICPI Coordinator, Nurudeen Akinade, warned that the proposed amendment risks inflaming tensions, urging lawmakers to preserve the rotational leadership model as a symbol of inclusion and mutual respect.
They stressed their opposition was not personal, noting that the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, earned their admiration through his respectful engagement with other traditional institutions.
We respected and honoured Oba Adeyemi’s age and wisdom. He spent over 50 years on the throne without undermining Ibadan people,” they said.
The current Alaafin should tread softly.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the implementation of the Nigeria First Policy, which proscribed the importation of foreign goods.
According to NTA, this was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday.
This means the immediate implementation of revised procurement thresholds for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, which prioritize Nigeria First.
Tinubu said that the approval is based on the recommendation of the Director General of BPP, Adebowale Adedokun, to align with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The details of the implementation guidelines will be provided by the DG, BPP, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, FCIPS, CMILT, ACFE,” a statement from the presidency stated.
Recall that on May 3rd, 2025, Tinubu ordered a ban on the importation of foreign goods, especially those that can be produced locally in Nigeria.
BUA Group chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has confirmed that a landmark agreement to keep cement prices steady for government contractors was initiated by Aliko Dangote. Rabiu disclosed this during a recent Channels TV interview, revealing that the pact is aimed at supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope infrastructure programme.
According to him, Dangote approached him with the proposal, and he immediately agreed to collaborate in the national interest.
He explained that the decision would shield contractors working on Renewed Hope projects from future cement price hikes
What this means is that any company handling these specific government projects will purchase cement at a fixed price, with no increase for the foreseeable future,” Rabiu said. He emphasized that this move is a significant show of support for the federal government’s infrastructure vision.
Rabiu was full of praise for Dangote, describing him as the driving force behind the idea. “Aliko Dangote deserves credit for bringing up this initiative. I agreed right away, and we’ll be sending official letters to the Ministry of Works next week to formalize the arrangement,” he added.
The BUA chairman also commended Engineer Dave Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, for his decision to prioritize concrete roads. He highlighted that concrete roads are more durable and economical in the long run, which aligns with the current strategy of major cement producers.
To ensure better coordination across the industry, Rabiu revealed plans to reorganize the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
He said the board will be refreshed to better support national infrastructure efforts and maintain effective industry wide collaboration.He said the board will be refreshed to better support national infrastructure efforts and maintain effective industry wide collaboration.
Addressing concerns over cement prices in the market, Rabiu defended the current rates, stating that despite public sentiment, cement in Nigeria remains competitively priced. “If you look across Africa, cement goes for at least $120 per ton, so what we’re offering is still affordable considering our production costs,” he clarified.
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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has asserted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not make headways in the forthcoming 2027 election, hence the decision of his administration to form a political alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC). former PDP’s presidential running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa and some chieftains of the party in Delta State recently defected to the APC.
Speaking through the state’s Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, at a press briefing in Asaba, Oborevwori said his administration aims to move the state forward.
Oborevwori stated that his defection was not to kill the PDP.
He said.“Our desire is not to kill PDP but to move Delta forward, and so we changed our driving pattern.
It was obvious that PDP won’t make headway in the forthcoming 2027 election, and so [there was] need to move to APC.”
Speaking on the performance of his administration, Oborevwori said he has provided roads in various communities.
He said, “In almost two years, we can see very bold and remarkable achievements by Governor Oborevwori and his team.
He also dismissed concerns raised by critics about the government’s capacity to deliver results.
We have provided roads in various communities, reducing travel time from Asaba to Ughelli to just one hour and forty-five minutes.
Odumodu Blvck has sparked online reactions with a recent social media move.
He is known for his bold online persona and controversial statements.The artist recently praised fellow musician Davido for gifting his girlfriend ₦10 million.
Nigerian rapper Odumodu Blvck has stirred online reactions following a controversial move on social media. Known for his bold online persona, the artist—who recently praised Davido for gifting his girlfriend ₦10 million—has once again caught public attention.
On May 15, fashion influencer Temi Otedola shared a photo of herself at a football stadium, proudly wearing a Barcelona jersey. Not long after, Odumodu shared the exact same image on his X (formerly Twitter) account, without offering any caption or context
This action sparked immediate backlash from users online, many of whom labeled it disrespectful. Some speculated about how Mr Eazi, Temi’s long-time partner, might respond to the situation.
In a separate incident, Odumodu addressed his experience at the 2025 Headies Awards, where he won the prestigious Next Rated Award. During his acceptance speech, his microphone was abruptly cut off. The rapper later explained the situation on social media, triggering widespread debate among fans and followers about what truly happened behind the scenes
The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights and demanding over ₦38 billion in damages.
Filed on May 14, 2025, and marked Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/966/2025, the suit lists the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and Mr. Seyi Tinubu—son of President Bola Tinubu—as the 1st to 3rd respondents, respectively.
Isah, through his legal counsel Ugwueze I. Oduegbu and R.O. Ifebhor of Ajunwa & Co., is seeking a series of declarations and orders from the court, including:
A declaration that his alleged abduction, unlawful detention for over 15 days, and continued incarceration without charge constitute a gross violation of his rights to freedom of movement under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
A declaration that the alleged torture, brutal beating, stabbing, and psychological trauma inflicted on him amount to inhuman and degrading treatment under Section 34 of the Constitution and Articles 5 and 16 of the African Charter.
An order for his immediate and unconditional release from DSS custody.
An injunction restraining the respondents from further acts of kidnapping, torture, detention, and threats to his life.
Monetary compensation including:
₦32.87 billion in general damages
₦5.5 billion in exemplary damages
20% compounded interest on the judgment sum until full payment or deposit into an interest-yielding court account.
Background of the Case
Isah’s suit stems from a violent leadership tussle within NANS. During his inauguration at the Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja, he was allegedly attacked by a rival faction of the student body said to have the backing of political elites, including Seyi Tinubu.
Following the attack, Isah was receiving medical treatment at a DSS clinic when he was reportedly taken away by operatives of the secret police. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown.
Family Alleges Cover-Up and Health Concerns
In an interview with SaharaReporters, a member of Isah’s family raised alarm over his disappearance and deteriorating health, describing the DSS’s actions as “bandit-like.”
Why are the DSS operating like bandits? They whisked away a man who was nearly killed, while those responsible for the attack are walking free. Since they took him, we’ve had no word,” the relative lamented.
The family added that Isah’s wife and daughter are traumatized by his sudden disappearance and are demanding answers.
The matter is expected to come up for hearing on a date to be communicated by the court.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a national forest guard initiative aimed at reclaiming Nigeria’s forests from terrorists, bandits, and criminal gangs.
In a statement released on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare announced that the recruitment and deployment of forest guards will commence immediately, targeting all 1,129 forests across the country.
According to Dare, the forest guards will be well-trained, armed, and mandated to flush out criminal elements using the forests as hideouts for violent activities.
This is a joint security effort between the federal and state governments. The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Ministry of Environment have been directed to take charge and ensure full implementation,” he stated.
Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be recruited into the outfit as part of a strategic initiative to create jobs while enhancing national security.
President Tinubu, in earlier remarks, had vowed that his administration would not cede “an inch” of Nigerian territory to criminal elements, declaring that “the country will take back its forests.”
