The Super Eagles have commenced preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, holding their first training session with 23 players at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle and his coaching staff, the team started training ahead of Friday’s Group L opening match against Madagascar.

Key highlights of the squad update include:

• Camp Status: Out of the 24-player squad invited, 23 players are present in Uyo, with Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye remaining as the sole player yet to arrive.

• Squad Mix: The early arrivals feature established names such as Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and captain Wilfred Ndidi, alongside returning defender Ola Aina and first-time invitees like Isaac James, Moses Usor, and George Ilenikhena.

• Upcoming Fixtures: Following Friday’s home game against Madagascar in Uyo, the Super Eagles will travel to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29 for their second Group L fixture.

• Group Dynamics: Nigeria shares Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea-Bissau. Because Tanzania has already qualified automatically as a co-host for the 2027 tournament, Nigeria will compete with Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau for the remaining qualifying spot.

• Attacking Adjustments: The team enters the qualifiers without Victor Osimhen, who is recovering from an injury, though the return of Taiwo Awoniyi and additions like Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams bolster the attacking options.

Rivers Hoopers secured the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) title following an undefeated campaign in the Final Four playoffs held in Port Harcourt.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Known as “The Kingsmen,” the team claimed their seventh league championship through a hard-fought 92-90 overtime victory against the Maktown Flyers. The title was effectively secured a game early after an 88-76 triumph over the Gboko City Chiefs, powered by 12 successful three-pointers.

Key highlights of the championship victory include:

• Sweet Revenge: The triumph successfully avenged Rivers Hoopers’ narrow 74-72 defeat to Maktown in the previous season’s final.

• Coach’s Reaction: Head coach Ogoh Odaudu expressed immense pride in his squad, noting that the team was determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s home heartbreak.

• Continental Return: By winning the championship, Rivers Hoopers have earned an automatic qualification to return to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2027 after missing out last season.

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 30-year-old Okpara Emmanuel in connection with the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Chinyere.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The suspect, a resident of Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu, was apprehended by operatives from the Awkunanaw Police Division after being rescued from an angry mob.

Key details of the tragic incident include:

• Discovery of the Crime: According to police spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe, Emmanuel allegedly killed Chinyere on September 19 following an argument. He then wrapped her body in nylon and concealed it inside his apartment’s toilet.

• Neighbours’ Intervention: The decomposing body’s foul odour eventually alerted neighbours, who forced their way into the apartment and detained the suspect before authorities arrived.

• Suspect’s Confession: During preliminary interrogations, Emmanuel reportedly confessed that the fatal dispute stemmed from an argument over who infected each other with HIV, during which he allegedly struck her on the head with a pestle.

• Next Steps: The victim’s remains have been moved to a mortuary for an autopsy and preservation, while the State Criminal Investigation Department—under the directive of Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa—has launched a full investigation for prosecution.

• Police Advice: Authorities have urged members of the public, especially young women, to exercise caution and always inform trusted friends or family of their whereabouts when visiting others.