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The Federal Government has appealed to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to suspend its planned seven-day warning strike over welfare concerns.
Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi made the appeal during a meeting in Abuja, urging dialogue over industrial action. Talks are set to continue Friday at the Federal Ministry of Health.
Kun Khalifat FC President/CEO, Mr Michael Chukwudi Amaefule, has expressed the team’s readiness for the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League, (NPFL) season.
The Pride of Imo State will kick off their first ever NPFL campaign against Enugu Rangers away from home as the new season will commence on August 22, 2025.
"We are optimistic about this new season, our maiden one, as we take on Enugu Rangers in our first game,” Amaefule told the club’s media after the fixtures unveiling.
"The technical crew and players are working hard, and we believe we can build on the momentum from last season in the NNL to achieve even greater success in the NPFL. The club's mentality is centred around achieving dreams with humger, clarity of purpose, and fearless ambition that will set us apart from our opponents”, he further stated.
"We are well prepared for this historic milestone, and we charge our teeming fans across the globe to give us even stronger support as we thank them for their outpour of love and solidarity," he concluded.
Overall, Kun Khalifat FC seems poised to make a mark in the NPFL, driven by their strong tram dynamics, effective leadership, and bold mentality. Their performance will be closely watched as they take on the best teams in Nigerian football.
By Ndukaihe Macharles U, Owerri, Imo State.
Okeoshishi FC of Oguta has etched their name in history by clinching the inaugural Imo State U13 Football Championship title, following a thrilling 1–0 victory over Captain Marvel FC of Owerri in a fiercely contested final at the Main Bowl of the Township Stadium, Owerri.
From the onset, Okeoshishi FC showcased attacking intent and tactical discipline, pinning their Owerri-based opponents deep into their own half with wave after wave of pressure. Despite a resilient defensive display by Captain Marvel FC, the deadlock was finally broken in the 78th minute when Okeoshishi captain Chidubem Okoye capitalized on a clever through pass from teammate Chisom Ndumuanya clinically finishing past the goalkeeper to send the Oguta fans into wild celebration.
Okoye nearly doubled the lead six minutes later with a dazzling solo run that saw him glide past three defenders, only to be denied by the Owerri side’s goalkeeper in a heroic save.
With the final whistle, Okeoshishi FC were crowned the first-ever champions of the Imo State U13 Football Tournament, a competition that kicked off three weeks ago with over 50 teams representing various communities across the state.
The final match drew a large crowd, including former international stars, dignitaries, and sports stakeholders. Among the notable attendees was former African Footballer of the Year and Heartland FC coach, Emmanuel Amunike, who praised the quality of football displayed by both teams, stating, “This tournament has opened a new window of opportunities for these young talents. The level of skill and discipline shown today is commendable.”
Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, commended both finalists for their spirited performances, while also acknowledging the efforts of grassroots sports investors. He gave special recognition to Ogbuagu Ifeanyi Ogbonna, sponsor of Okeoshishi FC, for his unwavering support and investment in youth football development across Oguta LGA.
The tournament finale also featured the presentation of individual awards and cash prizes, courtesy of the tournament organizers, as the event moves into its next phase focused on talent grooming and development.
Dignitaries in attendance included Hon. Chisom Ojukwu of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Pastor Chris Mbaeri, Executive Chairman of Orlu LGA, representatives from the NDDC, former Ex-Iwuanyanwu FC player Mr. Isaac Mbika, Barr. Ifeanyi Dike, Chairman of the Imo State Football Association, Coach Nicholas Ukadike, Mr. Fred, and other stakeholders in the state’s football ecosystem.
With this victory, Okeoshishi FC not only lifts the historic title but also cements its place as a rising powerhouse in grassroots football in Imo State.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have arrived in Abuja after winning their 10th WAFCON title, and will hold a trophy parade across key districts in the capital.
They will also be hosted by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa later today.
Aliko Dangote has urged President Bola Tinubu to ban fuel imports, claiming they threaten local refining and discourage investment. Speaking at a Lagos conference, he argued his $20bn refinery can meet Nigeria’s fuel needs, citing recent exports of 1.35 billion litres.
Petroleum marketers and experts rejected the call, warning it could create a monopoly, drive up prices, and breach trade rules. They stressed the need for competition and diverse supply sources to protect consumers and the economy.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has warned that Nigerians traveling primarily to give birth and secure U.S. citizenship for their children will be denied visas.
In a post on X, the mission emphasized that “birth tourism” violates immigration rules and consular officers will deny applications suspected of this intent.
The warning follows increased scrutiny of visa use and a recent shift to single-entry, three-month validity visas for most Nigerian non-diplomatic applicants.