Nigeria’s Flamingos have secured their qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following an 8-5 aggregate victory over Benin Republic. The team clinched this spot after a 5-3 win in the second leg held in Lomé, Togo.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• First Leg: Nigeria held a narrow 3-2 lead entering the second leg, following a comeback win in Ikenne where goals from Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, and Kindness Ifeanyi secured the victory.

• Second Leg Performance: Mary Akpan Dunstan and Esther Enne Stephen gave Nigeria an early lead in Togo, while Queen Joseph dominated the match by scoring a hat-trick.

• Tournament Details: The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.

• African Representation: The Flamingos join Morocco as part of the five African nations participating in the expanded 24-team tournament.

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has credited Vice President Kashim Shettima’s loyalty, performance, and commitment for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain him as a running mate for the 2027 presidential election. Governor Radda emphasized that this choice underscores the President’s confidence in Shettima’s governance contributions and the trust he has cultivated within the administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key highlights from Governor Radda’s statement, as relayed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, include:

• Recognition of Diligence: The Governor described the Vice President as a dedicated public servant whose performance since taking office in 2023 has justified his continued place on the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket.

• Strategic Leadership: Radda noted that Shettima has been central to key strategic initiatives, such as chairing the Presidential Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and working to improve energy security and economic policy.

• Administrative Experience: According to the Governor, the Vice President’s roles have required significant administrative experience, sound political judgment, and the capacity to coordinate across various sectors.

• Strengthening the Agenda: Governor Radda expressed optimism that keeping Shettima on the ticket will bolster the administration’s ability to fulfill its development goals and consolidate the progress made during its first term.

• Well Wishes: On behalf of the Katsina State government and its people, Radda congratulated the Vice President and expressed confidence that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket will maintain the support of party members and Nigerians ahead of the 2027 polls.

Distressing details have been revealed regarding the 56-day captivity of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State. Following a visit to the rescued victims at a military hospital in Ibadan, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, shared the following information:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • Male teachers reported being kept in chains and blindfolded for the majority of their time held by abductors.

  • One teacher was killed during the early stages of the kidnapping.

  • The victims shared harrowing accounts of severe hardship and degrading treatment endured while in custody.

  • Oba Olaoye expressed deep emotion during the visit, characterizing their safe return as a result of divine mercy and widespread prayers.

  The delegation, which included other traditional rulers and Senator Fatai Buhari, was hosted by military leadership. The Soun acknowledged the efforts of the government and security forces in the rescue, while simultaneously calling for continued attention toward those still being held captive elsewhere in Nigeria.

  Local leaders are now looking toward the future, with the Elesinele of Esinele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, requesting that security personnel remain in the area to maintain confidence and prevent future attacks. Additionally, Alhaji Suleiman Aliu, the Seriki Fulani of the area, noted that the return of the victims—who were initially abducted on May 15—has brought an unprecedented sense of relief and celebration to the community.