Author: CSNews

Edo Queens Fight Back From The Brink, Beat Ampem Darkoa On Penalties To Rule WAFU B

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Edo Queens produced a sensational comeback in Ouagadougou on Saturday night, edging unbeaten Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies on penalties after a thrilling draw to lift the 2026 WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifying title and secure their place in the CAF Women’s Champions League. Edo Queens 2 2 Ampem Darkoa Ladies (Edo Queens win 4 1 on penalties) The final was packed with drama, resilience and late heroics, as Edo Queens twice fought back from behind before keeping their nerve in a decisive shootout. Ampem Darkoa struck as early as the second minute through Beline Nyarko, only for Edo Queens to respond almost immediately, with Doosuur Anastasia Atume restoring parity in the fourth minute. Nyarko struck again from the penalty spot in the 74th minute to put the Ghanaian champions back in front, but Edo Queens refused to surrender. With defeat staring them in the face, Oluebube Umejiaku delivered a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time, forcing the final into a shootout. From the spot, the Queens were ruthless. Defensive duo Valentina Uroko and Ifeoma Ikenokwalu showed remarkable composure in converting their penalties, with Ikenokwalu striking the decisive kick as Edo Queens converted all four of their attempts, while Ampem Darkoa missed twice, handing the Nigerian champions a commanding shootout victory. The triumph crowns Edo Queens as WAFU B champions and guarantees their participation in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League. The campaign also produced individual honours, with winger Oluwakemi Adegbuyi named WAFU B Player of the Tournament, while Atume claimed the Golden Boot award, capping a remarkable run that saw the Nigerian side emerge as the dominant force in the zone. Reacting to the triumph, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, through his Media Aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko, congratulated the players, technical crew and officials of Edo Queens, describing the victory as a historic achievement for Edo State and Nigeria. Enabulele dedicated the triumph to Governor Monday Okpebholo, commending him for his unwavering support for sports development and his commitment to repositioning Edo State as a leading sports destination. He also praised the players for their fighting spirit, noting that coming from behind twice in the final reflected the character, discipline and resilience that have become synonymous with Edo sports, and commended the technical crew led by stand in coach Kennedy Boboye for their tactical discipline and ability to keep the team focused throughout the competition, particularly during the difficult moments of the final. With the WAFU B crown secured, Edo Queens now turn their attention to the CAF Women’s Champions League in South Africa, where Enabulele expressed confidence the team would continue to make Edo State and Nigeria proud on the continental stage.

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Midnight Raid In Niger State Sparks Outcry After Ex Deputy Governor’s Aide Is Seized

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Tension has gripped Niger State after police allegedly stormed the home of Lawal Mu’azu Obah, a former aide to the deputy governor, in a midnight operation that residents say unfolded with unusual force. Witnesses claim officers confiscated phones and assaulted residents during the raid before whisking Mu’azu Obah away, an account that has fuelled anger and concern among locals in the affected community. Sources close to the matter suggest the arrest may be linked to his outspoken support for an opposition candidate ahead of upcoming local elections, though this connection has not been officially confirmed. The police command is yet to issue a formal statement on the incident, but insiders indicate that the matter is currently under investigation by relevant authorities. Civil society groups have condemned the raid, describing it as an attack on democracy and freedom of expression, and are calling for transparency in how the case is handled going forward. As pressure mounts for an official response, all eyes remain on the police command to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest and address concerns raised by rights groups and residents alike.

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Moscow Talks Offer A Flicker Of Peace As Washington Strikes Iranian Tankers In The Gulf

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Global attention has shifted sharply following Russia’s announcement of a 72 hour pause on strikes against Kyiv, timed with the arrival of United States envoys in Moscow for peace talks that have raised cautious optimism about a possible ceasefire in the Ukraine war. At the same time, the United States military confirmed airstrikes on three Iranian oil tankers, carried out after missile attacks targeted its warships in the Gulf, with Washington describing the strikes as defensive measures even as Tehran vowed retaliation. The twin developments have placed the world’s attention on two separate flashpoints at once, with diplomats and analysts closely watching whether the Moscow talks can hold amid rising tension in the Gulf. In Nepal, rescuers pulled survivors alive ten days after devastating floods swept through the region, a rare and welcome moment of hope amid what has otherwise been widespread destruction and loss. Relief agencies say thousands remain displaced by the disaster, with humanitarian efforts continuing as authorities work to reach communities still cut off by the flooding. International observers caution that while the talks in Moscow could ease tensions in Eastern Europe, the escalating standoff between Washington and Tehran risks overshadowing any diplomatic progress made this week.

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Isak Fires Liverpool To Life, Maresca’s City Grind Past Coventry As PSG Wobble Again

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola celebrated his first Premier League victory in style after Alexander Isak struck twice inside the opening nine minutes to secure a win away at Ipswich Town. Ipswich Town 0 – 2 Liverpool Manchester City, now under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, edged past Coventry with new signing Enzo Fernández shining on his debut, as Maresca’s possession heavy approach continues to draw early comparisons to the Guardiola philosophy, albeit with sharper vertical transitions. Manchester City 1- 0 Coventry Chelsea remain under pressure as their rebuild continues, with supporters eager to see how the club responds when they face Arsenal in tomorrow’s London derby. PSG’s troubles deepened after a defeat to Monaco left Luis Enrique’s side winless in three matches, a worrying run that comes despite the manager recently signing a contract extension through 2030. PSG 1- 2 Monaco Tottenham Hotspur stunned fans by omitting Richarlison from their Premier League squad altogether, a decision that has fuelled fresh speculation about a possible move to Trabzonspor or a club in Saudi Arabia. Across the continent, the early rounds of the season are already reshaping expectations, with new managerial appointments at Liverpool and City drawing particular scrutiny as both sides search for early momentum.

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Rivers United Roar, Barau FC’s Atule Puts The League On Notice With A 20 Goal Promise

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Rivers United opened Matchday 2 of the Nigeria Premier Football League with a commanding win over Plateau United, showing sharper finishing under new coach Finidi George in a result fans in Port Harcourt have hailed as an early sign of intent for the season. Rivers United 2- 0 Plateau United Barau FC’s Joseph Atule has quickly become one of the league’s headline acts after declaring his ambition to score 20 goals this season, a bold target that has already set tongues wagging following his brace in a victory over Nasarawa United. Barau FC 3 – 1 Nasarawa United Ikorodu City and Doma United also picked up wins on the day, joining Rivers United at the top of the table as the early pace setters of the new campaign. Bendel Insurance are expecting a defensive boost with the return of goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, whose availability had been delayed by paperwork issues that kept him out of recent fixtures. At the other end of the table, Nasarawa United coach Mbwas Mangut lamented what he described as unlucky finishing, after his side struggled to convert their chances and now sit bottom of the log following two games without a win. With the season still young, the gap between the early risers and strugglers is already taking shape, setting up an intriguing race in the weeks ahead as more clubs find their rhythm.

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Abuja Slaps Down Coup Rumours, Insists Nigeria Stands With Democracy, Not Guns

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, has issued a strong rebuttal to claims circulating on social media that Nigeria, through ECOWAS, backed the recent failed coup attempt in the Republic of Niger, describing the allegations as false and mischievous. In a press statement numbered MFA/PR/2026/223, the Ministry said the Federal Government categorically rejects the claims as baseless and irresponsible, calling them a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image. The statement described Nigeria as a peace loving nation and a defender of constitutional order, positioning the country as a pillar of democracy and stability not only in West Africa but across the Sahel and the wider African continent. The Ministry reiterated that Nigeria would never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, regardless of who is involved or which country is concerned, referencing an earlier statement issued on August 30, 2026, in which the government expressed deep concern over the situation in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to constitutional order. It stressed that any resort to force to settle political differences runs contrary to Nigeria’s long standing foreign policy, and insisted that while Nigeria remains a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it is entirely false to suggest the country endorses or condones the military coup in Niger. The Ministry urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online from individuals seeking to sow discord, affirming the country’s continued commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union’s zero tolerance policy on unconstitutional changes of government. The statement, signed by Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, on September 3, 2026, closed by reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and the wider international community to defend democracy and promote peace and stability across the region.

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Army Chief In Ogun Draws A Firm Line Ahead Of 2027, No Politics, No Excuses

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army will remain apolitical, neutral and professional before, during and after the 2027 General Elections. Major General Babalola spoke on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during a sensitisation lecture titled The Conduct of Personnel in Preparation for the 2027 General Elections in Nigeria, held at the Vulcan Officers’ Mess, Headquarters 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, Ogun State. He stressed that there would be no room for partisanship, intimidation or misconduct by personnel under his command, charging officers and soldiers of 81 Division to be guided at all times by the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for the Armed Forces during elections. The GOC outlined four key directives for personnel, to remain neutral at all times, conduct themselves professionally with the highest standards of discipline, be accountable for their actions and uphold the integrity of the Nigerian Army, warning that any personnel found wanting would face the full weight of military and civil law. Special Guest of Honour, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, described the coming elections as another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that beyond the contest for political power, elections test the resilience of national institutions and the maturity of political actors. The monarch said the period would demand sound judgement, professional discipline, inter agency coordination and unwavering fidelity to the Constitution from the Armed Forces and other security agencies, describing the seminar as timely and aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of building a professional, adaptable and combat ready force. Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Friday Oguche Onu, said the lecture demonstrated the Army’s commitment to professionalism and constitutional responsibility, reminding personnel of their role under Section 217(2)(c) of the Constitution to support civil authority and other security agencies in ensuring a peaceful, free and credible electoral process.

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Zulum Writes A ₦622 Million Cheque So No Borno Student Misses Their Exam Over Money

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Borno State Government has presented a cheque of ₦622,308,300 to the National Examinations Council office in Maiduguri, covering 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination fees for 27,599 final year students in public schools across the state. Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, made the presentation on behalf of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, in continuation of a state policy running since 2019 that subsidises 75 percent of WASSCE, SSCE and NABTEB fees for eligible students. According to the Commissioner, a total of ₦1,195,661,872.50 has been committed in 2026 alone toward WASSCE, SSCE, SISE and NABTEB fees, pushing the state’s cumulative investment in external examination fees since 2019 to ₦5,987,567,125.00, benefiting 193,396 students. Wakilbe said the 2026 SSCE, conducted across all 24 Local Government Areas of the state, proceeded largely smoothly, despite a security incident in Lassa on June 29 in which 36 learners and one teacher, including a candidate sitting the examination at the time, were abducted. He prayed for their safe and swift return. He said the gesture reflects the governor’s unwavering commitment to ensuring no child in Borno State is denied the chance to sit for final examinations because of financial hardship, noting that nearly ₦6 billion has been invested since 2019 to keep children in school and in the examination hall. The Commissioner said thoughts remain with the affected learners and their teacher from Lassa, with continued prayers for their immediate return to their families and classrooms. He commended NECO officials, local government chairmen, education secretaries, principals, teachers, parents and security agencies for their roles in the successful conduct of the examination, and pledged continued state support toward the planned rollout of Computer Based Test examinations in 2027.

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Oyo APC Hands Out 50 Tickets For 2027, And A Message About Unity Comes With Them

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State presented Certificates of Nomination to 50 candidates who will represent the party across the 2027 general elections, in a ceremony that party leaders described as far more than a formality. Addressing the candidates, a party leader said the moment served as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with the opportunity to serve, congratulating all 50 nominees while urging them to remain focused on the people of Oyo State and the collective desire to build a better future for them. Leadership, the party stressed, is not about occupying a position but about having the capacity, character and courage to serve, solve problems and deliver meaningful progress for residents. Party leaders called for unity going forward, insisting that those who contested against one another during the primaries are not enemies but brothers, colleagues and stakeholders in one shared project, and urged all sides to close ranks and place Oyo State’s interest above personal considerations. The party’s vision, tagged Oyo Ahead, was described as a commitment to an Oyo where young people can access opportunities to learn, work and build meaningful lives, and where education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and enterprise receive the attention they deserve. Leaders said achieving that vision would require capacity, unity, discipline and, above all, genuine service to the people, expressing confidence that with these values the party can build a stronger, more prosperous and more inclusive Oyo State. The ceremony was seen as a formal opening of the party’s campaign season ahead of the 2027 polls, with the 50 candidates now expected to carry the party’s message across their respective constituencies.

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Plateau Shuts Down Schools As State Moves Fast To Outrun A Diphtheria Outbreak

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Plateau State Government has ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state, effective Monday, September 7, 2026, as a preventive measure against a diphtheria outbreak. The directive, issued under the leadership of Governor Caleb Manaseh Mutfwang, targets suspected cases reported in parts of Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas. According to the government, schools that have already resumed academic activities are also to close from Monday, September 7, and remain shut until further notice. School proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians have been directed to comply fully with the order and ensure that students and pupils remain safely at home throughout the closure period. The government said the measure was designed to safeguard the wellbeing of pupils, students, teaching and non teaching staff while health authorities work to contain the outbreak. Officials appreciated the understanding and cooperation of stakeholders, stressing that the state would continue taking appropriate steps in the best interest of residents. Further information on the resumption of academic activities is expected to be communicated to the public in due course.

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