Connect with us

latest

Team Nigeria Lands In Botswana For 2026 World Athletics Relays.

Published

on

Team Nigeria is expected to arrive in Gaborone on Tuesday as preparations intensify for the 2026 World Athletics Relays, following a long and demanding journey from Lagos.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The contingent departed Nigeria in the early hours of Monday aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight, beginning a two-leg trip that will last over 12 hours, including a lengthy stopover in Addis Ababa, with arrival scheduled for 14:35 local time.

The first leg from Lagos lasted about five hours and 20 minutes, followed by a 19-hour, 30-minute layover in Ethiopia before the journey resumed on Tuesday morning.

The team continued on a Boeing 787-8 flight to Botswana, with a brief stop in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, before heading to Gaborone to complete the trip.

Their arrival will round off Nigeria’s full delegation, following the earlier departure of an advance team led by Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) secretary Israel Inwang, who travelled on Sunday alongside sprinters Enoch Adegoke and Ezekiel Asuquo to handle logistical preparations.

The main squad, supervised by AFN technical director Gabriel Okon, includes four coaches as final preparations continue for the championships scheduled for May 2 and 3.

Nigeria will compete in all six relay events after receiving approval from World Athletics, having initially qualified for only three disciplines.

The competition also serves as a qualifying event for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing and the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, raising the stakes for participating nations.

A total of 723 athletes from 40 countries are registered for the event, including defending champions and medal winners from previous global competitions.

Nigeria received a morale boost before departure with the arrival of sprinter Favour Ashe at the Lagos camp, ending speculation about a possible nationality switch to Qatar.

Ashe, who boasts a personal best of 9.94 seconds in the 100m, had earlier held discussions with National Sports Commission director general Bukola Olopade before rejoining the squad.

He has been listed for the men’s 4x100m relay alongside Enoch Adegoke, James Emmanuel, Chidera Ezeakor, and Tejiri Godwin.

Team captain Patience Okon-George will lead the women’s team, with Nigeria set to compete in both men’s and women’s 4x100m and 4x400m relays, as well as the mixed relay events.

Other athletes, including Chidi Okezie, who is expected to join from Pretoria, and Blessing Ogundiran and Rosemary Chukwuma, who will arrive from the United States, are also set to complete the squad.

Advertisement

latest

WHO Speaks On Ebola Fears, Reveals Number Of People Under Close Monitoring In Nigeria.

Published

on

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, has announced that Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases following the evacuation of the index patient and her husband to Switzerland.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that the patient was airlifted out of Nigeria aboard a medical air ambulance through the private jet wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, Janabi said Nigeria would continue monitoring 52 contacts, while Switzerland would take responsibility for the patient’s ongoing medical care and monitor her husband.

He disclosed that the evacuation took place earlier in the morning, adding that both the patient and her husband are Swiss citizens.

According to Janabi, the patient was clinically stable following successful treatment by Nigerian medical teams, who managed her through the acute phase of the illness and stabilised her condition before the evacuation.

The WHO regional director commended the Federal Government, healthcare workers, clinicians, emergency responders and other partners for their contributions to Nigeria’s Ebola response.

He said the successful management of the patient demonstrated Africa’s expertise, resilience and leadership in public health, particularly when countries collaborate to tackle health emergencies.

However, Janabi emphasised that the evacuation did not mean vigilance could be relaxed, stressing the importance of continued contact monitoring and other public health response measures.

He reiterated that Nigeria would maintain close surveillance of 52 contacts, while Switzerland would oversee the patient’s continued treatment and monitor the 53rd contact, her husband.

Continue Reading

latest

Man United Crisis: Carrick Speaks Out After Shock Bournemouth Defeat.

Published

on

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has said he does not expect to be sacked within the next 24 hours following his side’s disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The loss at Old Trafford has intensified scrutiny of Carrick as Manchester United continue to struggle with inconsistent performances and results this season.

According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who shared the manager’s comments on X on Sunday, Carrick acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future but maintained that he would continue carrying out his duties as usual.

“I totally understand the situation. I’m not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. I’m carrying on as normal and, you know, I love this place,” he said.

The former Manchester United midfielder also reaffirmed his commitment to the club, insisting that he would continue to act in what he considers the team’s best interests despite the mounting pressure.

Bournemouth’s victory further compounded United’s recent difficulties, marking their third defeat in four home matches and extending their winless run across all competitions to eight games.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other senior club officials are considering possible replacements as they assess Carrick’s future at Old Trafford.

Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe have reportedly emerged as leading candidates for the position.

However, Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are expected to make the final recommendation before presenting their preferred candidate to Ratcliffe.

The club has yet to announce any decision regarding Carrick’s future, leaving uncertainty over who will lead the team into their next Premier League fixture against Chelsea.

Continue Reading

latest

“If You Insult Tinubu, I’ll Insult You” – Sunday Igboho Fires Warning At Makinde.

Published

on

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his alleged mockery of President Bola Tinubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, Igboho condemned Makinde’s conduct during a public event, describing it as childish and disrespectful to the President.

Makinde had challenged rival presidential candidates to demonstrate their physical stamina after jumping off a stage during a campaign meeting in Akure, Ondo State, on October 22.

The governor made the demonstration at the APM South-West Presidential Campaign Town Hall Meeting held at the Ondo State International Conference Centre, popularly known as The Dome.

While addressing supporters, Makinde said he would focus on candidates’ energy levels and ability to withstand the demands of leadership rather than making age a major issue ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Reacting to the incident, Igboho accused the Oyo governor of making fun of Tinubu and warned that he would respond to anyone who insulted the President.

In a statement on Sunday, the Yoruba Nation activist said Makinde’s actions amounted to disrespect towards the President.

“He was jumping around like a frog and a mad man, insulting Tinubu, saying Tinubu can’t jump like him as if he doesn’t have a father.

“If you insult Tinubu, I will insult you back. Anyone who wants to live long should not mock an elderly person for any reason,” Igboho said.

Continue Reading

Trending