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Nigeria World Cup Hopes Rise and Fall With Victor Osimhen’s Presence

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Nigeria 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has shown a clear pattern: when star striker Victor Osimhen plays, the Super Eagles win. When he is missing, they struggle.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Nigeria have gone winless in five World Cup qualifying matches played without Osimhen. In contrast, they have won four of the five matches he has featured in, with the Napoli forward scoring six goals during that stretch. The numbers underline how crucial the 25-year-old striker has become to Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions.

Osimhen returned to action with a brace in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda in September, ending a disappointing run of draws and losses that had put their qualification hopes in jeopardy. The win lifted Nigeria to third place in their group and reignited optimism among fans.

“Osimhen makes a huge difference,” said interim coach Finidi George after the match. “He gives us goals, energy, and leadership on the pitch. The team looks more confident when he’s there.”

Osimhen’s impact is measurable. Nigeria’s attack has often lacked sharpness without him, struggling to convert chances despite dominating possession. In the five qualifiers played without their top scorer, the Super Eagles managed only three goals. With him, they have scored 13.

The Napoli striker, known for his pace and powerful finishing, has become the heartbeat of the team. He is now Nigeria’s second-highest goalscorer of all time, behind only the legendary Rashidi Yekini. His consistent performances for both club and country have made him one of Africa’s most feared forwards.

Osimhen’s importance goes beyond goals. His ability to press defenders, link play, and create space for wingers like Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze has improved Nigeria’s attacking flow. Teammates have praised his leadership, noting how his competitive drive lifts the entire squad.

“I always give everything for my country,” Osimhen said after his double against Rwanda. “The team fought hard, and I’m proud to help us get back to winning ways. The dream is to make it to the World Cup.”

Nigeria’s struggles without Osimhen highlight a deeper issue: lack of depth in attack. With few reliable alternatives when he is injured or unavailable, the Super Eagles often rely on makeshift options. Young forwards like Gift Orban and Victor Boniface have shown promise, but none have yet matched Osimhen’s consistency at international level.

Analysts say Nigeria’s coaching staff must find ways to reduce the overreliance on the Napoli striker, especially with long qualification campaigns ahead. “You can’t build a system around one player,” said former Nigerian midfielder Mutiu Adepoju. “Osimhen is vital, but Nigeria needs a plan B. Injuries and suspensions are part of football.”

Nigeria’s next round of World Cup qualifiers begins in November, with crucial fixtures against Benin Republic and South Africa. Both matches will test whether Nigeria can maintain momentum — and whether Osimhen can stay fit for the demanding schedule ahead.

For now, the statistics speak for themselves: Nigeria wins when Osimhen plays, and struggles when he doesn’t. As the Super Eagles chase a return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 tournament, the nation’s hopes rest largely on the boots of their talismanic striker.

At just 25, Victor Osimhen has already become the face of Nigerian football — and perhaps, its greatest hope for global glory once again.

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Dele Momodu Denies 2027 Ambition, Rejects VP Campaign Poster With Atiku Abubakar.

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A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has dismissed a viral presidential campaign poster linking him as a running mate to Atiku Abubakar.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The poster, tagged “AtiDele 2027,” suggested Atiku as presidential candidate with Momodu as his deputy, but the media entrepreneur described it as a misleading creation aimed at distracting the ADC.

Reacting via his X handle, Momodu clarified that he is not interested in any electoral contest and urged supporters to disregard the circulating image.

He said when he first saw the poster, he assumed it was a joke, but later began receiving repeated messages about it, prompting him to publicly address the issue.

Momodu stressed that he is not contesting any political office, but remains committed to supporting a coalition of parties working to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of weakening Nigeria’s democracy.

He added that he believes the ADC has many capable leaders, stating that he is ready to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

According to him, his role will be to offer support rather than seek personal political ambition, especially as preparations toward future elections continue.

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Hard Times Return As Petrol Price Jumps To N1,440 Per Litre Across Nigeria

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Petrol prices have surged across Nigeria, with filling stations now selling fuel between N1,364 and N1,444 per litre, as rising global crude oil prices continue to pressure the domestic market.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Findings on Thursday evening showed that major marketers such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), MRS, BOVAS, Ardova (AP), and Mobil have adjusted their pump prices to between N1,364 and N1,370 per litre.

Other outlets, including AA Rano, Emedab, Empire Energy, and Ranoil, are selling at even higher rates, ranging from N1,370 to N1,440 per litre.

This represents a sharp increase from about N900 per litre recorded in February 2026.

The latest hike comes just 24 hours after Dangote Refinery and depot operators raised their gantry and ex-depot prices to N1,275 and N1,320 per litre respectively, citing rising global crude oil costs.

Market data on Friday morning showed that Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose to $111 and $105 per barrel, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel in the Middle East.

The situation has also been worsened by the recent withdrawal of the United Arab Emirates from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), further increasing volatility in the global oil market.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said the global oil price increase is directly affecting fuel costs in Nigeria.

He noted that while Dangote Refinery has helped cushion the impact, fluctuations in the international crude market are still influencing domestic pricing.

The continuous rise in petrol prices has sparked fresh calls for government intervention, as Nigerians struggle with worsening economic hardship.

The development comes at a sensitive time as workers mark May Day, with the national minimum wage at N70,000 and the cost of living rising alongside fuel prices edging close to N1,500 per litre.

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AGF Fagbemi Moves To Deregister ADC, Accord, AA And Other Political Parties

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The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called for the deregistration of several political parties, including the Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Peoples Party (APP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Fagbemi made the request before the Federal High Court, arguing that it is unconstitutional to allow political parties that have consistently failed to win electoral seats to remain registered.

His position was presented in an affidavit filed in response to a suit by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which is also seeking the deregistration of the affected parties.

The AGF urged strict enforcement of Section 225A of the Nigerian Constitution, stating that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no discretionary power to retain parties that do not meet the required electoral performance threshold.

He further argued that the continued existence of non-performing political parties contributes to ballot paper overcrowding, increases the cost of elections, complicates electoral administration, and weakens the intent of the Constitution.

According to him, the constitutional amendment was introduced to address challenges such as ballot clutter and inefficiencies in the voting process.

Fagbemi also noted that, as the chief law officer of the federation, he is empowered to initiate or support actions aimed at ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.

Earlier in the proceedings, counsel to the NFFL, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), told the court that the case seeks judicial clarification on constitutional and legal provisions governing the registration and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.

He explained that the suit is strictly for constitutional interpretation, insisting that some political parties may have violated the law, and therefore require judicial guidance on their status.

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