Unfreeze Osun Account, Tinubu Orders EFCC

 

Unfreeze Osun Account, Tinubu Orders EFCC

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to immediately vacate the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, describing the timing of the action as inappropriate with the State’s Governorship election few days ahead.

In a statement issued on Thursday, President Tinubu said he became aware that the EFCC had obtained a Court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts.

The President clarified that while he was not opposed to the EFCC carrying out its statutory responsibilities, he was deeply concerned about the timing of the action, noting that every decision taken by a federal institution is often attributed to the Presidency.

President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to the independence of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, stressing that since assuming office, he has deliberately refrained from interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative bodies.

According to him, democratic institutions must be allowed to function independently, professionally, and within the limits of the law without political interference.

The President, however, said although he was yet to receive a full briefing on the circumstances that led the EFCC to seek the Court order, he believed the action, coming just days before the Osun Governorship election, could create the impression that a Federal Agency was being used to influence the electoral process.

He maintained that preserving public confidence in the integrity, credibility, and fairness of the democratic process was of overriding national interest.

Consequently, President Tinubu directed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to vacate the order freezing the state’s accounts and discontinue the action instituted against the State Government.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions while ensuring that their actions do not undermine public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process

14th Women AFCON: Nigeria Hammer Egypt 6-2 To Reach Quarter Finals, To Face Cameroon

14th Women AFCON: Nigeria hammer Egypt 6-2 to reach quarter finals, to face Cameroon

 

Cup-holders, Super Falcons of Nigeria put up a sensational attacking masterclass at the Stade Moulay Hassan on Wednesday night, overpowering Egypt 6–2 to set up a heavyweight WAFCON 2026 quarter-final encounter against Cameroon.

 

Nigeria set the tone early in the contest, taking the lead in the 21st minute when Asisat Oshoala coolly converted a penalty following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) handball check. Substitute Gift Monday doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time, finishing off a brilliant short-corner routine involving Toni Payne and Rinsola Babajide. Egypt pulled one back shortly after to send the sides into the break at 2–1.

 

The 10-time champions maintained complete control after the restart, with substitute Uchenna Kanu restoring the two-goal cushion in the 57th minute with a crisp left-footed strike. Nigeria’s dominance was further rewarded through back-to-back VAR-awarded penalties, which Christy Ucheibe and captain Rasheedat Ajibade decisively dispatched in the 80th and 88th minutes respectively. The highlight of the night came deep into stoppage time when Gift Monday and Ajibade sliced through the Egyptian defense to set up Joy Omewa, who tapped home to mark her first-ever WAFCON goal and cap off an explosive six-goal performance.

 

The Super Falcons now turn their full focus to the knockout stages, where they will face old rivals Cameroon in the quarter-finals.

AAYK Nig Ltd Reactivates Partnership With Gold Cup Tourney

 AAYK Nig Ltd Reactivates Partnership With Gold Cup Tourney

AAYK Nigeria Limited has reaffirmed its partnership with the Gold Cup Tourney. 

Based in Osogbo, AAYK Nigeria Limited is a registered firm offering professional services in real estate, logistics, technology, and sports, dedicated to providing reliable, high-quality services across various sectors. 

The 14th edition of Nigeria's first preseason tournament will be held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta from Thursday August 13, through Saturday August 22, 2026. 

AAYK Nigeria Limited Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Famomi Ayomide Kolawole expressed pride with the development. 

He stated, "We are proud to reactivate our partnership with the Gold Cup Tourney. What began as an exciting football event in 2013 has grown into a platform that significantly boosts the careers of our talented players and that of ambitious clubs aspiring to succeed in Nigeria's three tiers of leagues. 

"Our partnership underscores our commitment to football development." 

Tunde Shamsudeen, Gold Cup Tourney General Coordinator, added, “We are pleased with the renewed partnership with AAYK Nigeria Limited, a company active in multiple sectors with a strong presence in sports. This collaboration promises more thrilling matches for fans, as the Gold Cup Tourney continues to create lasting memories for Nigeria's domestic football followers worldwide."

Flying Eagles Through To WAFU B U20 Final, One Win From AFCON Qualification

 

Flying Eagles Through To WAFU B U20 Final, One Win From AFCON Qualification

 

Nigeria’s U20 team, Flying Eagles, on Wednesday evening booked their place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over host nation Côte d'Ivoire.

 

The pulsating semi final encounter ended 2-2 after extra time, making the penalty shootout inevitable. The hosts started on the front foot and controlled the tempo from kickoff. They came close to an early opener twice in the 12th and 14th minutes, but Flying Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Lawani was alert and kept Nigeria in the game. The pressure eventually told in the 16th minute when Côte d'Ivoire’s Kaita slotted home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

 

The Flying Eagles pushed for an equaliser before half-time with more urgency, but the Ivorian defence held firm to take a 1-0 lead into the break. Goalkeeper Lawani continued to be Nigeria’s hero in the second half. In the 59th minute, he produced a brilliant save to parry away a dangerous corner that looked destined to be the second goal. Both teams traded attacks as Nigeria chased an equaliser and the hosts sought to double their lead. The breakthrough for Nigeria came in the 67th minute when Captain Habila Simeon rose highest to nod in a pull-out and level the score at 1-1.

 

Despite several chances created by both sides, no further goal came, and the game went into extra time at 1-1. Extra time brought more drama. Aliyu Abubakar put the Flying Eagles ahead 2-1 in the third minute of the first period of extra time. Gift Subi almost made it 3-1 in the 100th minute after a brilliant solo run, but his shot went wide. Côte d'Ivoire responded immediately and levelled it at 2-2 before the end of the first half of extra time.

 

The scoreline remained 2-2 at the end of extra time, forcing the tie to penalties. From the spot, the Flying Eagles held their nerve and won 4-3. The victory sends Nigeria through to the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship, where they will aim to retain the trophy and thus qualify for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

WAEC Sanctions 50 Schools, Witholds Results of 167, 486 Candidates Over Malpractice In 2026 WASSCE

 WAEC Sanctions 50 Schools, Witholds Results of 167, 486 Candidates Over Malpractice in 2026 WASSCE 

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) wishes to inform you that the results of candidates from the under-listed schools have been withheld due to alleged cases of malpractice in the 2026 WASSCE for School Candidates examination.

The affected schools are to submit a detailed report on the incident(s) to this office within fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice. Failure to comply may attract further sanctions.

On result processing, the council said 1,834,695 candidates, representing 94.05 per cent, have had their results fully processed and released.

It added that the results of 116,031 candidates, representing 5.95 per cent, are still being processed.

The examination body also said 1,213 candidates with special needs registered for the examination. They include 137 visually impaired candidates, 491 with hearing impairment, 55 spastic and mentally challenged candidates, and 41 physically challenged candidates.

On examination malpractice, WAEC said it withheld the results of 167,486 candidates, representing 8.59 per cent, over various offences. The figure is lower than the 9.7 per cent recorded in 2025.

“The increasing use of cell phones in the examination hall, in spite of the existing ban, and organized cheating in some schools, are other nagging issues,” Dr Dangut said.

He added that some supervisors and invigilators caught helping candidates cheat had been arrested and would face sanctions through the State Ministries of Education.

Dr Dangut, who said this was his third and final media briefing as Head of the WAEC National Office, noted that the 2026 examination was the second Computer-Based WASSCE conducted for school candidates.