News & Announcements

The Super Eagles’ preparations for Thursday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone continued on Sunday as 24 of the 27 invited players trained in Abuja.
Friendly matches against Mexico (in Dallas on May 28) and against Ecuador in New Jersey (June 2) kick-started the preparations as the Eagles seek the 20th appearance at Africa’s flagship tournament, scheduled for Ivory Coast in 2023.

With head coach José Peseiro taking full charge, captain Ahmed Musa led the players that included goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Adewale Adeyinka, and Adebayo Adeleye, and defenders Olaoluwa Aina, William Ekong, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Leon Balogun, Sani Faisal, and Kenneth Omeruo. There were also midfielders Alex Iwobi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Innocent Bonke, and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Cyriel Dessers, Ademola Lookman, Sadiq Umar, Terem Moffi and Emmanuel Dennis.

As of lunchtime on Sunday, only defenders Abdullahi Shehu and Calvin Bassey, and midfielder Joe Aribo were expected in camp.

During breakfast and lunch periods, Peseiro was able to meet and familiarise himself with invited players who were unable to make it to the United States for the friendlies, including Musa, defenders Sanusi and Balogun, midfielder Etebo and forwards Chukwueze, Umar, and Lookman.

He also met with defender Omeruo, midfielder Onyeka, forward Osimhen and Israel-based goal-tender Adeleye, who were all not invited for the friendlies in America but were called up for the AFCON fray.
The Eagles confront familiar foes, Sierra Leone, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Thursday evening, in one of the Day 1 matches of Group A of the qualification series. On Saturday, they fly to Marrakech for a Day 2 game against São Tomé and Príncipe on June 13.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football has appointed Ivoirian officials to take charge of Thursday’s encounter in Abuja, with Ibrahim Kalilou Traore as referee. His compatriots Adou Desire N’goh, Nouhou Ouattara and Kouassi Francois Biro will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively.

Moukaila Nassam Adam from Ghana is the match commissioner while Serge Paulin Samuel from Burkina Faso is the referee assessor.

Squad
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus); Adewale Adeyinka (Akwa United); Adebayo Adeleye (H. Jerusalem, Israel)
 Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino, Italy); William Ekong (Watford, England); Abdullahi Shehu (Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (Porto, Portugal); Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor, Turkey); Semi Ajayi (West Brom, England); Calvin Bassey (Rangers, Scotland); Sani Faisal (Katsina United); Leon Balogun (Rangers, Scotland); Kenneth Omeruo (Leganes, Spain)
 Midfielders: Joe Aribo (Rangers, Scotland); Alex Iwobi (Everton, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke, England); Innocent Bonke (Lorient, France); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal, Spain); Moses Simon (Nantes, France); Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Italy); Cyriel Dessers (Genk, Belgium); Ademola Lookman (Leipzig, Germany); Sadiq Umar (Almeria, Spain); Terem Moffi (Lorient, France); Emmanuel Dennis (Watford, England).

The U.S. Consulate hosted a graduation ceremony celebrating the success of 17 young Nigerians who formed the 2021 cohort of the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI).
Aged 21-35, the 17 graduating fellows selected through a competitive process, implemented social service projects focused on health, education, civil liberties, environment, and economic empowerment during the 12-month long fellowship.

Delivering remarks during the graduation ceremony of the 2021 cohort, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli highlighted the positive impact the initiative has had on local communities since its inception in 2011.

He commended the graduating fellows for their selfless service and commitment to the values championed by the late U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, for whom the initiative is named.   
“You established a farmers’ business school and taught 30 rural farmers to sustainably farm.  You upskilled 30 kids in Lagos juvenile homes on ICT skills and advocated policy reforms in juvenile administration. You trained school counselors on addressing mental health challenges in public schools.

“You taught rural women basic recycling skills and trained public school teachers on the use of modern teaching methods and aids. The projects implemented by the 2021 CYFI cohort are truly inspiring. These are meaningful, impactful projects. You have laid solid foundations for future work and I look forward to seeing where these initiatives go from here,” Ibelli added.

Ibelli welcomed the graduating CYFI fellows to the U.S. government exchange alumni community, a prestigious and vast network of like-minded and highly regarded professionals across the country. “I encourage you to take advantage of the exchange alumni group to continue to grow and support each other,” he said.

In a goodwill message delivered at the event, the wife of late Ambassador Carrington, Dr. Arese Carrington, congratulated the 2021 cohort and urged them to remain exemplars of honesty and concern for the welfare of the less privileged.

“The innovative projects you designed and carried out during the past year have impacted lives positively. Never stop dreaming or daring to effect the needed change because you are the hope for the future,” Dr. Arese Carrington added.

CYFI is built around year-long social innovation projects that are designed by fellows and supported by the U.S. Consulate and private partners. The 2021 cohort is the first graduating class since the passing of Ambassador Carrington.
To date, CYFI has graduated 174 outstanding young Nigerians who bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the table and share a common vision with the goal of positively impacting the Nigerian society.

Motivated and self-driven young Nigerians interested in becoming a CYFI fellow can apply by filling out the application form at: http://www.cyfinigeria.org/apply/

U.S. Consulate Celebrates Accomplishments of 2021 Carrington Fellowship

The U.S. Consulate hosted a graduation ceremony celebrating the success of 17 young Nigerians who formed the 2021 cohort of the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI).

Aged 21-35, the 17 graduating fellows selected through a competitive process, implemented social service projects focused on health, education, civil liberties, environment, and economic empowerment during the 12-month long fellowship.

Delivering remarks during the graduation ceremony of the 2021 cohort, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli highlighted the positive impact the initiative has had on local communities since its inception in 2011.

He commended the graduating fellows for their selfless service and commitment to the values championed by the late U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, for whom the initiative is named.   
“You established a farmers’ business school and taught 30 rural farmers to sustainably farm.  You upskilled 30 kids in Lagos juvenile homes on ICT skills and advocated policy reforms in juvenile administration. You trained school counsellors on addressing mental health challenges in public schools.

“You taught rural women basic recycling skills and trained public school teachers on the use of modern teaching methods and aids. The projects implemented by the 2021 CYFI cohort are truly inspiring. These are meaningful, impactful projects. You have laid solid foundations for future work and I look forward to seeing where these initiatives go from here,” Ibelli added.

Ibelli welcomed the graduating CYFI fellows to the U.S. government exchange alumni community, a prestigious and vast network of like-minded and highly regarded professionals across the country. “I encourage you to take advantage of the exchange alumni group to continue to grow and support each other,” he said.

In a goodwill message delivered at the event, the wife of late Ambassador Carrington, Dr. Arese Carrington, congratulated the 2021 cohort and urged them to remain exemplars of honesty and concern for the welfare of the less privileged.

“The innovative projects you designed and carried out during the past year have impacted lives positively. Never stop dreaming or daring to effect the needed change because you are the hope for the future,” Dr. Arese Carrington added.

CYFI is built around year-long social innovation projects that are designed by fellows and supported by the U.S. Consulate and private partners. The 2021 cohort is the first graduating class since the passing of Ambassador Carrington.

To date, CYFI has graduated 174 outstanding young Nigerians who bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the table and share a common vision with the goal of positively impacting the Nigerian society.
Motivated and self-driven young Nigerians interested in becoming a CYFI fellow can apply by filling out the application form at: http://www.cyfinigeria.org/apply/

Condemns attacks, Condoles With Families of The Victims Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, is deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshipping at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, on Sunday.
The vile and satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of the Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.

“It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquillity have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state.

“I have spoken to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is presently on his way to Owo. Similarly, I have had to cut short my party’s national assignment in Abuja and visit Owo immediately.

“This is an unexpected development. I am shocked. Nevertheless, We shall commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay. We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolves to rid our state of criminals.

“I commiserate with my people in Owo, particularly families of the those who lost their lives to this ugly and unfortunate attack. I extend my condolences to Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, and the Catholic Church.

“I urge our people to remain calm and vigilant. Do not take laws into your hands. I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I have equally been assured that security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom.” Akeredolu said.
Signed:Richard OlatundeChief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.June 5, 2022.

Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels and her politician husband, Ned Nwoko were part of the guests invited to celebrate the 70th year of Queen of England on the throne.
The movie star, who is expecting her second child with her billionaire husband was spotted donning a beautiful Ankara gown with puffy sleeves.

 The event, which was organized in Nigeria by British High Commission had different dignitaries grace the occasion.
“We honored the invitation of the British high commissioner to celebrate the Queen’s 70th year on the throne,” she captioned her post on Instagram.
 Britain is celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, her 70th year on the throne, with a huge dollop of pomp.

The celebration kicked off on Thursday, June 2 with a military parade in London, Trooping the Colour, with 1,400 troops in bearskin caps,  alongside an Irish wolfhound nicknamed Seamus, marching to honor the queen’s formal birthday.

The 96-year-old Elizabeth made two appearances on the Buckingham Palace balcony looking well enough wearing light blue, her gloved hands resting on a cane. 
But the palace later announced that while she “greatly enjoyed” the parade, she “did experience some discomfort” and would miss Friday’s thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Ikeja Special Offences Court, Lagos on Thursday granted the extension of the plea bargain until June 10 to take the final report in the case of N6bn money laundering against social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha. Justice Dada gave the date after defense and prosecution counsel prayed for an extension of time.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had, on January 12, arraigned Mustapha aka Mompha, and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd.
The defendant is charged with eight-count bordering on conspiracy to launder money obtained through unlawful activities, and laundering of money obtained through unlawful activities.
Other charges include retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, use of property derived from unlawful acts, possession of documents containing false pretenses, and failure to disclose assets.

During the court sitting, the defense counsel, Kolawole Salami, who held brief for Gboyega Oyewole SAN, informed the court that discussions were ongoing on a plea bargain with EFCC.
Salami prayed to the court for an extension of time for both parties to reach a conclusion.
He said, “My lord, the matter was adjourned until today for a report.
 “We have on our part submitted a proposal to the EFCC and just received their own proposal yesterday.
“Furthermore, a meeting was held at the prosecution’s office at 4.00 pm to discuss the terms of the proposal.

“We made considerable progress at the meeting yesterday and have agreed on one or two areas.
“We shall be praying for a short date to report, but if we are not able to reach a conclusion, we shall proceed to trial.”The prosecuting counsel for EFCC, S.I Suleiman, confirmed the defense counsel’s position and also prayed the court for an adjournment.

Suleiman said, “We confirm the position of defense and have reached out to the defense team and met at the prosecution’s office yesterday.

“We need a little fine-tuning as we humbly ask for your indulgence to extend the date for the report.”
Justice Dada adjourned the matter until June 10 to take the final plea bargain.

Ever since the Mavin Records released its hit song ‘Overdose’ featuring all signees under the record label except its biggest, Rema, fans have been wondering and asking questions to know why the superstar singer was not featured.
Well, the Chairman of Mavin, Nigerian music executive, Michael Collins Ajereh who’s popularly known as Don Jazzy has revealed why label signee Rema was dropped out of the hit song ‘Overdose’.
Don Jazzy during an interview with Cool FM explained to fans that Rema was left out of the ‘Overdose’ hit song to create a spotlight on the new artists namely, Crayon, Ayra Starr, Boy Spyce, and Magixx.
Since its release, ‘Overdose’ has been on Apple Music’s top 50 Nigerians songs chart.

The Lagos State Government on Friday began the crushing of impounded commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, at the Taskforce’s Crushing Centre, Ikeja.
About 2,000 motorcycles have already been impounded in the last 72 hours since the commencement of the total ban Lagos State government had vowed that all the motorcycles will be crushed.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, said the idea is to prevent the Okada from finding their way back into the streets.

Oladeinde, who supervised the crushing exercise, commended the security operatives for doing a great job in enforcing the total ban across all the affected 15 local councils.
He said the cushing is to demonstrate the government’s commitment to riding the State of Okada menace.
He said Friday’s exercise brings to about 7,000 the total number of okada already crushed by the government in the last five months.

He disclosed that about 5,000 had earlier been crushed in the First Quarter of 2022.
Oladeinde urged Lagosians to stop patronizing Okada and to use the alternative First and Last Mile Buses provided by the government.

Responding to complaints coming from places like Apapa where the people are finding it tough because Okada operation had been banned, the commissioner said the people should show more understanding as the directive was in the interest of all citizens of the State.

Stephanie Linus (formerly known as Stephanie Okereke) and her husband have welcomed their second child. The Nollywood actress made the announcement via a statement she released on Tuesday.
She labeled her son’s birth as a “princely arrival” as she thanked God for blessing her family.

The statement by Linus reads: “With thanksgiving and gratitude to our Heavenly Father, we are delighted to share with you the announcement of the birth of our second son whose arrival has immersed us with unspeakable joy. Indeed, the Lord has blessed us beyond measure and our hearts are filled with eternal gratitude.”

Stephanie and Linus got married in a flamboyant wedding ceremony that took place in Paris in 2012.
The event was officiated by popular Nigerian cleric, Apostle Johnson Suleman.
The couple welcomed their first child, Maxwell Linus, in 2015.

The Lagos State Government assured residents not to panic as the enforcement of the Okada ban in six local councils becomes effective today.
Commissioner for information and strategy, Gbenga Omotoso said law enforcement agencies went on a roadshow today to assure the public that the ban will be enforced without compromise.

Recall that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on May 18 announced the ban, after a meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Area Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers.
The local governments affected are Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Apapa, Eti-Osa, and Ikeja.
Omotoso said the public anxiety over the implementation was unnecessary.

“There is no need for any anxiety over the enforcement of the ban, which has been hailed by the majority of Lagosians as a reinforcement of the Lagos Traffic Law 2012 (amended in 2018)”, Omotoso said.
“The Government wishes to advise all law-abiding citizens to go about their businesses without any fear whatsoever as measures have been put in place to forestall any disturbance.
“Lagosians and visitors are urged to co-operate with the law enforcement agencies in our collective interest”.

The Lagos government views the activities of Okada as dangerous to road users.
The state’s Police Commissioner Abiodun Alabi has described most Okada riders as criminals who must be taken off the road.

Omotosho, speaking to Channels Television, also noted that recent increases in accident rates have prompted the government to act again.
“Our doctors are complaining that more persons are coming in with okada emergency,” he said.
“About 45 percent of accidents in the first quarter were caused by okada. And most of the victims are between the ages of 30 to 39.”

Joseph Ameh, ex-husband to choreographer, Kafayat Shafau popularly known as Kaffy has responded to indications thrown at him that he slept with his wife’s best friend while they were married.
In a recent interview, Chude Jideonwo had with Kaffy, she revealed that her ex-husband cheated on her with her close friend.

Kaffy accounted that she stopped sleeping with her husband for three years and became celibate before the divorce.
Joseph Ameh who reacted to her claims took to his Instagram page, stating that he never slept with any of Kaffy’s close friends or best friends and was not violent with her but accepted that he made some silly mistakes in his marriage.

“I will make this as brief as possible. I made a lot of silly mistakes in my life and in my marriage, I take full responsibility of all my foolishness with absolutely no excuses,” he said.
“However, I never slept with your best friend or close pals, and neither have I ever been violent towards you, contrary to the narratives flying around about me,” Ameh advised his ex-wife to move on maturely as he’s trying to, adding that this is the last time he’ll speak about their broken marriage.

“Anyway, it has been a year since the marriage officially ended. I’ve tried to move on and I do advise you to do the same too.

“I wish us all the very best as we move on maturely. The end of our marriage should not be the end of our lives. This is the first and last time I will speak on this subject,” he added.