Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes suffered another setback on Tuesday as the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Fresh from a 2-0 victory over Rwanda, Nigeria came into the game looking to build momentum in their qualification campaign.

However, despite dominating possession and creating early chances, Eric Chelle’s men struggled to break down a resolute Zimbabwean defence.

After relentless pressure, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 74th minute.

Victor Osimhen, ever the poacher, expertly nodded home a low cross from Moses Simon to give Nigeria the lead.

The Super Eagles, however, failed to hold on to their advantage.

A lapse in concentration at the back nearly cost them, with Zimbabwe hitting the crossbar before finally drawing level in the 90th minute.

Tawanda Chirewa capitalised on slack defending to fire past Stanley Nwabali at his near post, silencing the home crowd.

Nigeria had a late chance to snatch victory, but Wilfred Ndidi failed to convert a clear opportunity, leaving the Super Eagles frustrated as they dropped valuable points yet again.

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Nigeria secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Rwanda in their CAF World Cup qualification Group C clash on Friday, thanks to a brace from Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen opened the scoring in the 11th minute, giving the Super Eagles an early lead following a deadly cross from Ademola Lookman.

The striker doubled Nigeria’s advantage in first-half stoppage time (45+3’), sealing an important win for his side.

The match saw a physical battle, with Rwanda’s D. Bizimana receiving a yellow card in the 46th minute, followed by Nigeria’s Wilfred Ndidi picking up a booking in the 49th minute.

Despite Rwanda enjoying 45% possession, they struggled to break through Nigeria’s defence, managing only two shots on target.

Nigeria, on the other hand, registered three shots on target and eight corner kicks, dominating offensive play.

The victory lifts Nigeria to fourth place in Group C with six points from five matches, keeping their qualification hopes alive.

South Africa currently tops the group with 10 points, followed by Benin (8 points) and Rwanda (7 points).

Nigeria will now look ahead to their next fixtures as they aim to climb further up the standings and secure a spot in the next stage of the qualification campaign.

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Thirty-three world leaders have declared support for Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, following a tense meeting between him and United States President, Donald Trump.

The world leaders also condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Zelensky and Trump’s meeting at the Oval Office on Friday, with US Vice President JD Vance also in attendance ended in a deadlock.

Discussions at the meeting generated heated arguments as the two leaders debated the future of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Tensions escalated when the leaders clashed over a minerals deal that would grant the US extensive access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources in exchange for Washington’s continued support for Kyiv in its fight against Russia.

Zelensky insisted that any agreement must include genuine security guarantees for Ukraine, a demand that Trump resisted.

The press conference turned confrontational when Vance accused Zelensky of being “disrespectful,” pointedly asking, “Have you said ‘thank you’ once?”

The meeting concluded abruptly, with Zelensky and his delegation being escorted out of the White House.

Shortly after the meeting, Zelensky took to X to express gratitude to Trump, the US Congress, and Americans for their support.

“Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” he wrote.

In an interview with Fox News, Zelensky was asked if he would apologise to Trump. While he declined to elaborate, he acknowledged the public fallout, saying it was “not good for both sides.”

“I’m not sure that we did something bad,” he added. “I cannot change the Ukrainian attitude towards Russia. They are killers for us.”

However, when asked if his relationship with Trump could still be salvaged, Zelensky responded affirmatively.

On Saturday, he posted again on social media, saying, “It is very important for us that Ukraine is heard and that no one forgets about it, neither during the war nor after. It is important for people in Ukraine to know that they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country, in every corner of the world.”

Global leaders stand with Ukraine

Following the event, leaders from various parts of the world took to social media, issuing statements on their X handles in support of Ukraine and criticising Russia’s continued aggression.

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, condemned Russia for its “illegal and unjustifiable invasion” of Ukraine.

“For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all. Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace,” Trudeau wrote.

Also, French President Emmanuel Macron criticised Russia’s actions and defended the sanctions imposed three years ago.

“Thanks to all those who helped and continue. And respect to those who, since the beginning, have been fighting. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children, and for the security of Europe,” Macron stated.

Similarly, Slovenian President Nataša Musar denounced Russia’s aggression and commented on the Oval Office meeting.

“What we witnessed in the Oval Office undermines these values and the foundations of diplomacy. We stand firmly in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty. We repeat, Russia is the aggressor,” Musar wrote.

Austrian Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, reiterated Europe’s backing for Ukraine.

“Russia is the aggressor, and therefore Europe supports Ukraine‘s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace,” he stated.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs also expressed solidarity with Ukraine.

“Ukraine is a victim of Russian aggression. It fights the war with help from many friends and partners,” he posted.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb highlighted Ukraine’s struggle for survival.

He wrote, “The heroic fight of Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression is about the existence of Ukraine as a nation. We in Finland understand what Ukraine is going through. Ukraine is fighting not only for her independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”

Similarly, Montenegrin President, Jakov Milatovic and Slovak Republic’s fifth President Zuzana Čaputová also expressed support for Ukraine, with Čaputová stating, “The people of Ukraine are defending their right to live. It’s that simple. They deserve all the support they can get to defend this right and to live and prosper as a sovereign nation living in peace.”

Several other world leaders echoed similar sentiments in their tweets, reaffirming their backing for Ukraine.

Super Eagles head coach, Éric Sékou Chelle, has included Kano Pillars forward Ahmed Musa in his provisional squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. This marks Musa’s return to the national team for the first time since the AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire.

Musa headlines the 39-man provisional list released by the new head coach yesterday. Genk striker Tolu Arokodare also makes the cut, following his impressive tally of 15 goals in the Belgian Jupiler League this season.

Among the fresh faces in Chelle’s provisional squad are Anthony Dennis (FC Göztepe), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), and Slavia Prague’s Igoh Ogbu.

The squad sees the return of Kayode Bankole, the Remo Stars goalkeeper, and Southampton forward Paul Onuachu, as Nigeria aims to rekindle their hopes of qualification.

The provisional list includes prominent players such as captain William Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali, Adeleye Adebayo, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Simon Moses.

 

Further inclusions comprise goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, as well as forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Sadiq Umar.

 

Defenders Igoh Ogbu and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, midfielders Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha, along with forwards Tolu Arokodare and Jerome Akor Adams, have received their first call-ups. Additionally, home-based goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, defender Jordan Torunarigha, midfielder Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, and forwards Cyriel Dessers and Nathan Tella could make a return if they are included in the final squad of 23 players.

 

Nigeria currently sits fifth in Group C, trailing behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin Republic, and Lesotho. The Super Eagles will first face group leaders Amavubi of Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, 21st March, before squaring off against Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo four days later.

 

 

 

 

Governor Dauda Lawal has informed the World Bank that his administration was gradually winning the war against banditry in Zamfara State.

The governor disclosed this during an official visit to the World Bank office in Abuja on Friday.

A statement signed by the spokesperson of the Zamfara State governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, on Saturday, disclosed that the meeting focused on development projects in education, health, climate resilience, and agriculture.

The statement added that the visit was expected to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the Zamfara State government and the World Bank.

In his remarks, Governor Lawal emphasised his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the World Bank.

“I want to begin by thanking the World Bank for its ongoing support for our state. We have aligned our development objectives with the World Bank’s mission to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development.

“We also recognise the security challenges that have previously impacted project implementation in Zamfara State, particularly those that have hindered the full achievement of targets due to constraints on operational activities. We are, however, making progress as the challenge is being addressed, and things are returning to normal.

“We have enhanced security measures through proactive steps taken by the state to improve security through increased patrols and strategic measures that mitigate threats.

 

“Our administration is dedicated to ensuring the safety of lives and property by providing adequate logistics and support to security agencies to maintain peace and stability,” the governor was quoted as saying.

 

Governor Lawal assured the World Bank staff of their safety during support, supervision, and monitoring visits to Zamfara State, including secure accommodations, transportation, and communication protocols.

 

“I assure the World Bank that we have established mechanisms for ongoing security assessments to promptly address any emerging threats and ensure a secure environment for all development partners.

 

“Banditry attacks on our highways, villages, and cities are under control. We are gradually winning the war against criminals, and life is returning to our communities. This is evident in the number of incidents reported daily and the increasing project implementation across the length and breadth of Zamfara State.

 

“Let me conclude by extending our invitation to the Country Director to visit Zamfara anytime soon and see the implementation of all World Bank-supported programs and our modest efforts in changing the narrative in our state,” he added.

 

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiamé Diop, commended Governor Lawal for positively advancing Zamfara State.

 

“I am impressed by the system you put in place. Congratulations on achieving such feats in such a very short time,” Diop stated.

 

During the meeting, the Task Team Leader of the NG-CARES project highlighted the success of the implementation model in Zamfara State. “We are not only adopting the Zamfara model in other states of Nigeria but are also extending it to other countries for implementation. I must commend the governor and the state government for their efforts,” she stated.

Intriguingly, the international community, particularly the United Nations (UN), is sitting by and watching as another round of the Berlin Conference unfolds. During that Conference of 1884–1885, 14 colonial powers signed the General Act of Berlin, an agreement regulating European colonisation and trade in Africa during the New Imperialism period.

Though resources of the affected African countries were pillaged and used to develop the colluding Western colonial countries, war of the kind that is imminent in the looming arrangement was carefully avoided.

We are compelled to recall that imperious episode as world powers, specifically Russia, China, and the United States of America (USA), plot to grab territories that do not belong to them by force and under ignoble and bare-faced tactics. The only explanation so far is that those territories are weaker and not in a strong position to offer meaningful resistance on their own.

First, it was Russia annexing Crimea, and when no one raised any deterring eyebrow or forceful move in disapproval, it marched into Ukraine in what it described as a special military operation that has lingered for close to three years in a needless war that has claimed over 40,000 Ukrainian lives. Not counting the infrastructural devastation and humanitarian calamities.

Second, China has not stopped harassing its neighbours around the South China Sea, a stretch of waters it claims, without proof, exclusive right to. The Philippines is managing to hold on as the world looks askance at the undeserved provocation.

The plans it has for Taiwan, an area China claims to be its province, are yet to unfold as it has vowed not to let the annexation of that tiny island nation linger forever. China is only waiting to see how the Russian misadventure in Ukraine will pan out.

Third, to compound these developments, President Donald Trump is talking of making Canada the 51st state of the United States of America and invading tiny Greenland with a population of less than 50,000 to have complete control of the vast resources in that autonomous territory in the Kingdom of Denmark, a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) member just as the USA. He wants the United States to hold those resources in trust for the so-called free world. Not satisfied, the newly elected President of USA is threatening to reacquire the Panama Canal, authority over which was relinquished by the Jimmy Carter administration under the Carter/Omar Torrijos Treaty of 1977. Trump has just told a stunned world that he has plans to take over the Gaza Strip, which he intends to develop in the mould of the French Riviera, throwing out, in the process, all the Palestinians, relocating them to Egypt, Jordan and other Arab countries.

That was music to the ears of the visiting Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who had always loathed the demand for a two-state solution to the Middle East crisis that erupted with the creation of the State of Israel in 1948.

Trump is over-simplifying the Gaza problem from the point of view of an estate developer. That territory by the Mediterranean Sea is attractive to him as a resort but will end up generating what Hamas sees as chaos.

We had warned on this page that the war in Ukraine, the bellicosity of China around the South China Sea and the Middle East crisis are flashpoints that might ignite, if not properly managed, an avoidable third world war.

In our opinion, all the parties are hardening their positions in the emerging confusion. Russia insists on completing its assignment in Ukraine, a first step towards rebuilding the Soviet empire, including most East European countries.

International relations experts dismiss Vladimir Putin’s plan as a wild goose chase. However, Poland and other countries that managed to extricate themselves from the Soviet enclave are not amused by the Russian leader’s obduracy. He still thinks dismantling the Soviet empire was the greatest catastrophe of the 20th Century and is determined to reverse it. The world must consider what is happening in that volatile region.

One way of doing this is by persuading Trump to rein in his inordinate ambition to make America great again, for that country is already immensely great. We are persuaded to posit that any attempt on his part to take over either Greenland or Gaza will be a green light to China to march into Taiwan. No one knows the outcome of such a move that might have cataclysmic dimensions.

Already, China, Russia and North Korea are forming a very dangerous alliance, developing and testing strategic missiles that can strike any part of the world.

For countries in the so-called developing world, of which Nigeria and Africa are part, the situation at present, though beyond their capacity to make any worthwhile contribution, given the United Nations incapacity, calls for serious thinking as there is no sitting position on the fence.

The Nigerian Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), is set to host the inaugural World Orisa Congress, a groundbreaking event that aims to promote the understanding and appreciation of Orisa culture and tradition globally.

The World Orisa Congress, scheduled to take place at a yet to be announced date in South West,Nigeria, will bring together scholars, researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts of Orisa culture from around the world.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, yesterday,the Executive Secretary of NICO, Otunba Abiodun Ajiboye, said the congress is designed to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences on Orisa culture and tradition.

“The World Orisa Congress is an affirmation of the coalescence of cultural identity with Africans in Brazil,Cuba and a few other places.It is the ultimate spiritual connection to all of us as a people with a common goal.

“The congress will provide a platform for sharing knowledge, experience and best practices in promoting and preserving Orisa heritage.

“So far,Orisa enthusiasts in the United States and other Caribbean countries are ready materials and human resource for this project.”Ajiboye said.

According to the NICO, helmsman, through extensive collaborations with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Diaspora Commission,the Institute will energise global participation which shall be a focal point of interaction via ceremonial obeisance, social practices, festivals, traditional craftsmanship and knowledge concerning nature and the universe.

He added that the congress will create over 200,000 jobs,while new skills in arts,crafts and industry measuring up to Brazilian Industrial standards will be taught and learnt.

Kenneth Omeruo and Wilfred Ndidi have declared their support for the new head of the Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle.

Chelle has been saddled with the responsibility of guiding the Super Eagles through a difficult 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles are second from bottom in Group C with three points from four games.
Omeruo insisted qualifying for the Mundial is still a possibility despite the team’s poor start to the qualifiers.

“The new coach has something to give to the Super Eagles,” the Kasimpasa star said during a live session on his X handle, which he co-hosted with Ndidi.
“We saw a very organised Mali during our friendly match last year and at the AFCON.

“And now with the talent in Nigeria, we expect even more.” Ndidi also shared the centre-back’s optimism.

“With our quality and the new coach, we will qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” the Leicester City star declared.

“It won’t be easy, but we’re all together in the task to qualify for the World Cup.”

The Super Eagles will face the Amavubi of Rwanda and Warriors of Zimbabwe when the qualifiers resume in March.

In an effort to digitalise health information management in the state, the Cross River State Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress, through a project called (IMPACT Project) has procured 196 laptops for personnel in the health records units across the Primary Health Centres in 196 wards of the state.

This initiative is to accelerate coverage and transformational services for effective monitoring and evaluation.

Funded by the World Bank, the IMPACT Project aims to reduce maternal mortality, malaria, neonatal mortality, as well as infant and under-five mortality rates.

Speaking while receiving the equipment in his office on Wednesday in Calabar, Governor Bassey Out lauded the World Bank’s contributions to the improvement of health services in the state.

Otu stated that the newly introduced IMPACT Project will add further impetus to feats already achieved through the symbiotic relationship between Cross River and the World Bank.

“Health has continued to be one of our very major priorities. It is true that without health, of course, we wouldn’t even have a state.

“That is why you can bear me witness that most of the projects that have come out in terms of counterparts funding, we have engaged all of them.

“We’ll continue to give that support, whatever it takes, to make sure that we do our best for our people. We have allocated over 5 billion in our 2025 budget to upscale all our primary health facilities.

“We also have plans for health insurance because we know that health insurance is not where it’s supposed to be. We’re working very hard to come out with the best health insurance for our people,” Governor Otu said.

He charged that the facilities are put into use and not left as furniture in those offices. “Actually, the system we are trying to put in place is something that the local government chairmen, the ward councilors, and everybody will be involved.

“Both in education and healthcare, we need to ensure that most of the things that are invested get right down to the people. So I want to thank the World Bank for these interventions,” he stated.

Earlier, the IMPACT Project Manager, Dr. Paul Odey, emphasised that the project will in no small measure improve the health sector across Cross River State.

“This is a World Bank project that started on the 17th of February 2021. However, before now, Cross River State was not part of this project. The People’s first mantra came in, and the Sweet Prince approved this thoughtful project to be brought to Cross River State,” he stated.

Odey explained that the project primarily focuses on immunization for children under five, malaria, pregnant women, training and sensitisation of health attendants to ensure that facilities are accessible to those living in rural areas.

Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, on Thursday, expressed concern about “the increasingly concrete threat of a world war” at a New Year’s reception for foreign ambassadors to the Holy See.

The head of the Catholic Church called on diplomats to engage in dialogue, even with difficult interlocutors.

Dialogue, he said, is the only way to break the chains of hatred and vengeance that bind and to defuse the explosive power of human selfishness, pride and arrogance, which is the root of every destructive determination to wage war.

READ ALSO: Is A Third World War Coming?

He said his wish for 2025 was for the war in Ukraine to end, and repeated his appeal for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.

The 88-year-old pontiff also warned of the dangers of the spread of fake news, which not only distorts facts but also perceptions.

“This phenomenon generates false images of reality, a climate of suspicion that foments hate, undermines people’s sense of security and compromises civil coexistence and the stability of entire nations,” he said.

Since 2013, Pope Francis has been the leader not only of some 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, but also the head of the Vatican City State.

The smallest state in the world maintains diplomatic relations with 184 countries. (dpa/NAN)