IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Manchester City will face Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League, while Arsenal have been drawn against Real Madrid. Women's Super League champions Chelsea will travel to City for the first leg before hosting Gareth Taylor's side in the second leg.

Arsenal, winners of the competition's previous format in 2007, will host the second leg against Real Madrid after qualifying as group winners. It is the first time that three English teams have progressed to the last-16 stage. Should Arsenal progress, they will avoid meeting a fellow English team until the final as they have been drawn against the winners of Bayern Munich versus Lyon in the semi-finals.

Chelsea or City will face the winners of the tie between two-time German winners Wolfsburg and current holders Barcelona. The draw means Chelsea and City will face each another four times within the space of 12 days across three competitions. The two clubs meet in the League Cup final on 15 March and again in the WSL on 23 March.

The Champions League quarter-final first leg will be held before the WSL match, either on 18 or 19 March, with the second leg on either 26 or 27 March.The semi-final first legs are scheduled for 19 or 20 April, with the second legs on 26 or 27 April. 

Women's Champions League quarter-finals

Manchester City v Chelsea

Real Madrid v Arsenal

Wolfsburg v Barcelona

Bayern Munich v Lyon

Women's Champions League knockout dates

Quarter-finals

First leg: 18/19 March

Second leg: 26/27 March

Semi-finals

First leg: 19/20 April

Second leg: 26/27 April 

The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has appointed sports management expert, Blessing Ekwe Chisalam, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a strategic move aimed at advancing the sport’s growth in the country. Ms. Blessing, a passionate sports scientist, holds a master’s degree in sports management and has a strong background in sports administration. Her expertise comes at a time when Nigerian badminton is experiencing rapid development, both at the grassroots and international levels.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has emphasized the need for sustained efforts to build on these achievements, stating that the BFN must “not rest on its oars” as the sport continues to gain momentum. BFN President, Francis Orbih, expressed confidence in Ms. Blessing’s appointment, highlighting her qualifications and alignment with the federation’s vision:

“We need someone who can project badminton with a positive image and align with our dreams and aspirations as a federation. Ms. Blessing is highly competent, a sports scientist with a master’s degree in sports management, and understands the physiology of the sports ecosystem. Her appointment will be instrumental in driving the growth of badminton in Nigeria.” As COO, Ms. Blessing will focus on expanding the sport’s outreach, enhancing its economic appeal, and improving administration and competition structures within the federation. With her extensive experience, she is expected to play a key role in strengthening Nigerian badminton’s operations in line with the National Sports Commission’s strategic objectives.

Her appointment signals a new era for badminton in Nigeria, as the federation aims to cement its place among the leading sports organizations in the country. 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has stated that none of the 30 proposals for new states have met the constitutional requirements outlined in Section 8 of the Constitution.

In a statement issued on Friday by his media office, Kalu clarified that the parliament has not taken a position on the matter but remains committed to following due process.

He explained that the creation of a new state requires a two-thirds majority approval from the Senate, House of Representatives, state houses of assembly, and local governments. Since the current proposals fall short of these criteria, applicants have been invited to resubmit their requests after ensuring full compliance with the constitutional guidelines.

“We are a people’s parliament, and we have not taken a stance on state creation,” Kalu said. He emphasized that 30 applications, not 31, were received, noting that Ibadan State was mistakenly listed twice.

“As of now, none of these proposals meet Section 8 requirements, which is why we are notifying Nigerians. If state creation requests are not considered, the public should understand the reason,” he added.

Applicants have until March 5 to address the deficiencies in their submissions. 

The House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward transforming Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, into a conventional university, as lawmakers passed a bill for its second reading during Thursday’s plenary session. The bill, titled "An Act to Establish the Michael Okpara University, Umudike to Make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for Related Matters," was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, along with six other lawmakers.

Leading the debate, co-sponsor Hon. Kelechi Nwogu highlighted the need to expand the university’s mandate beyond agriculture. Established in 1992 as a specialized institution under the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, the lawmaker argued that a conventional university status would enhance interdisciplinary research and collaboration across diverse fields such as engineering, health sciences, and social sciences. Hon. Nwogu further explained that integrating agricultural studies with engineering could drive innovations in mechanized farming, while partnerships with health sciences could advance research into nutrition and food security.

"As an institution primarily focused on agricultural sciences, MOUAU has contributed significantly to Nigeria's agricultural development. However, broadening its scope to include diverse disciplines would amplify its impact across multiple domains," he stated.

According to him, transitioning to a conventional university would bring several advantages, including:

Diversified Academic Programs: 

The institution could introduce courses in Arts, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, and Humanities, attracting a more diverse student population.

Enhanced Research Opportunities: 

Programs in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and environmental sciences would prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market.

Increased Funding Prospects: 

A broader academic focus could unlock funding from organizations that support disciplines beyond agriculture, including grants for research in technology, medicine, and social sciences.

Improved Global Recognition: Conventional universities often rank higher due to their wider educational and societal impact.

Following deliberations, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, put the bill to a voice vote, after which it was passed and referred to the Committee on University Education for further legislative action.

The move marks a crucial step toward reshaping the educational landscape of Michael Okpara University, positioning it for greater academic and research impact on both national and global scales. 

The suspended chairman of Oredo Local Government Area (LGA), Dr. Tom Obaseki, has threatened to file a contempt of court charge against the Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky Eseigbe, over the appointment of an acting council chairman.

Obaseki, through his counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, SAN, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the commissioner to withdraw the appointment letter given to Dr. Igbinigie Osaheni, the Head of Local Government Administration, or face legal action.

In a letter addressed to the commissioner, Afolabi described the appointment as unlawful and a violation of an existing court order, emphasizing that Obaseki remains the legitimate chairman as reaffirmed by a mandatory injunction granted by Justice Ikponwonba in Suit No: B/307/2024.

He warned that failure to comply would result in contempt proceedings, stressing that the Edo State Government had already been restrained by the court from making such appointments.

The commissioner, in a letter dated February 3, 2025, had appointed Osaheni as acting chairman, citing the refusal of elected councillors to assume leadership following the suspension of all 18 local government chairmen and their deputies over allegations of financial misappropriation and insubordination to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Obaseki’s legal team insists that the commissioner’s actions contravene legal provisions and have demanded an immediate retraction and apology. 

The Imo State Liaison Committee, Niger Delta Sports Festival Has Been Inaugurated Friday, 7th of February, 2025.

The event took place at the office of the Honourable Commissioner For Sports Imo State, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha at his Ministry Of Sports office, Owerri, Imo State.

In picture from L-R are LADY JUSTINA AKPULO (DIRECTOR OF SPORTS, IMO STATE); OBI OGBALA (MINISTRY OF SPORTS); SIR FERDINAND EMEAÑA, (FORMER DIRECTOR OF SPORTS, MIN. OF SPORTS IMO STATE); LADY NGOZI DURUH (PERMANENT SECRETARY, MIN. OF SPORTS & CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE); HON. OBINNA ONYEOCHA (COMMISSIONER FOR SPORTS); HON. WILLIE OKOLIEOGWO - (DUNAMIS & SECRETARY OF COMMITTEE); OSCAR KEKE (DUNAMIS); AND GOC NWADIKE - MEMBER & HEAD, PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE.

While Inaugurating the committee, the Commissioner charged them to ensure proper coordination in consultation with his office and the consultant to ensure that victory target is met at the festival billed for April, 2025.