As the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, Nigerian football fans are eager to see the Super Eagles reclaim their place on the global stage. After missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar, the team faces mounting pressure to secure qualification this time. But how well are we performing in the qualifiers? What are our realistic chances?
Nigeria’s Performance in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Nigeria was placed in Group C of the CAF qualifiers, competing against teams like South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Benin, and Rwanda. On paper, this group should be manageable for the Super Eagles, given their squad depth and past performances. However, football isn’t played on paper.
So far, the results have been mixed. While Nigeria boasts a squad packed with talented players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi, inconsistencies in results have raised concerns. Dropped points against lower-ranked teams have left fans frustrated and questioning the tactical setup under the current coaching staff.
Tactical Assessment and Key Concerns
From a sports analyst’s viewpoint, Nigeria’s struggles in the qualifiers can be traced to several factors:
Inconsistent Team Selection and Tactics
Nigeria has a squad capable of dominating African football, but frequent tactical changes and inconsistent selections have hindered team cohesion.
The inability to break down defensive teams has been a recurring issue, especially against sides that sit deep and frustrate play.
Defensive Vulnerabilities
The Super Eagles have shown moments of defensive lapses, often conceding goals due to poor positioning and lack of coordination.
Against more compact and disciplined teams, these weaknesses could prove costly in tight qualification battles.
Over-Reliance on Individual Brilliance
While stars like Osimhen and Lookman can win games single-handedly, football remains a team sport. Nigeria needs a structured approach rather than banking on moments of brilliance.
Coaching and Leadership Uncertainty
Nigeria has seen managerial instability in recent years, affecting long-term squad building.
A strong tactical philosophy is crucial for a successful qualification campaign.
What Are Nigeria’s Chances of Qualifying?
Looking at the qualification format, only the group winners will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while some second-placed teams may get another chance through playoffs. This means Nigeria must avoid unnecessary slip-ups and maximize points in upcoming matches.
Key Fixtures to Watch
Crucial games against South Africa and Benin will determine Nigeria’s fate.
Winning all home games and picking up points away will be essential for qualification.
Nigeria still has a strong chance of qualifying, but only if key adjustments are made. Tactical discipline, consistency in team selection, and mental toughness will be decisive. If the team steps up and performs to its full potential, Super Eagles fans can look forward to a return to the world stage in 2026.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals suffered a setback on Tuesday after the Warriors of Zimbabwe scored a last-minute equalizer in their Matchday 6 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The result meant the Super Eagles are still stuck in fourth place in group C, as leaders South Africa put daylight between themselves and the rest of the pack with a matured 2-0 win over Benin Republic in Abidjan, that took them to 13 points.
Benin Republic’s Cheetahs and Rwanda’s Amavubi are both on eight points, one more than the Super Eagles, with four rounds of matches left, to be played over the months of September and October.
Usual suspect Victor James Osimhen, playing his 40th match for the Nigeria senior team, scored to put Nigeria in front after 73 minutes, making hay from Olaoluwa Aina’s cross from the left that escaped every Zimbabwean player in the defence.
With robust confidence and a positive spirit from their win over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, Nigeria launched onslaught after onslaught particularly through the left side of the Zimbabwean defence, with Simon Moses always in good flow, but goalkeeper Washington Arubi thwarted their forays and kept his team in the game.
Three minutes after Osimhen’s goal, the visitors could have scored as Khama Billiat broke from the left and the Super Eagles were only saved by the crossbar.
Substitute Tawanda Chireda would eventually find the leveller on the dot of 90 minutes, as the Warriors swept past the Nigeria rearguard and he cleverly poked past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from close range.
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a setback after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo. The Super Eagles were moments away from securing a crucial win before a late equaliser denied them all three points. A key talking point from the match was head coach Eric Chelle’s substitution decision, which played a role in Nigeria’s failure to see out the victory.
A Tactical Blunder in the Closing Minutes
With Nigeria leading 1-0 in the 87th minute, talismanic striker Victor Osimhen requested to be substituted. At the time, Nigeria already had four forwards on the pitch—Osimhen, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, and Tolu Arokodare. Instead of bringing on a midfielder to strengthen the team’s defensive shape, Chelle opted for Victor Boniface, maintaining the attacking setup.
This decision left Nigeria’s midfield exposed at a crucial moment when Zimbabwe was increasing pressure in search of an equaliser. Just before the substitution, the visitors had already come close to scoring, forcing a goalline clearance from Calvin Bassey after goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was beaten. The warning signs were there, yet the coaching staff failed to react defensively.
As a result, Nigeria struggled to regain control of the midfield, allowing Zimbabwe to push forward freely. The inevitable happened in stoppage time when Tawanda Chirewa dribbled past Nigeria’s backline and fired past Nwabali to secure a point for the visitors.
Missed Chances Also Cost Nigeria
Beyond Chelle’s substitution error, Nigeria had opportunities to put the game beyond Zimbabwe’s reach. Victor Osimhen’s goal in the second half, gave the Super Eagles the lead, but the team failed to capitalise. Wilfred Ndidi missed a clear chance to double Nigeria’s advantage, while Zimbabwe almost equalised earlier when Terrence Dzvukamanja struck the crossbar.
A Learning Curve for Chelle
Chelle has now overseen two games as Super Eagles head coach, winning one and drawing one. While his first victory against Rwanda was a positive start, this draw highlights the importance of tactical awareness, especially in managing a game in the closing stages.
With Nigeria now trailing Group C leaders South Africa by six points, the Super Eagles have little room for error in their remaining qualifiers. Chelle must learn from this setback and make better tactical decisions if Nigeria is to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
South African publication, Sowetan Live, has reported that the Lesotho Football Association has confirmed it has sent a query to FIFA over the yellow cards accumulated by Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
If Lesotho’s prayers are heard, the match will be forfeited by South Africa with three points deducted and three goals conceded.
Should that happen, following the Match Day 6 results, South Africa’s point haul will be reduced to 10, but will still retain the top position.
Lesotho in the fifth position, with six points, will jump to the second position with nine points.
Last week, South Africa fielded Mokoena in the match which the hosts won 2-0. The fielding of the player is a breach of the regulations for the World Cup qualifying series.
Nigeria currently at fourth with seven points, will sink to the fifth position, taking the place to be vacated by Lesotho.
Mokoena was not listed by South Africa in their Tuesday’s game with Benin Republic.
Mokoena was booked in Bafana’s opening match against Benin in 2023, and the fourth qualifier against Zimbabwe last year, meaning he should have served an automatic one-match ban, according to FIFA’s rule 63 governing World Cup qualifiers.
“The question is, was a rule broken? If yes, we are fully entitled to protest and get the points.
“We were made aware of Mokoena’s bookings and we have since sent a formal inquiry to CAF and FIFA,” the Lesotho FA secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi was quoted by South Africa’s Sowetan Live as saying.
Continuing, the publication quoted the Lesotho FA secretary as saying that:
“We have heard that Nigeria also want to protest and they too are entitled to that because the result (last Friday) prejudices everyone.
“Suppose it was us who fielded a defaulter and got the points, Bafana would have done the same.”
Mohapi was further quoted as saying that South Africa could not expect to use proximity to Lesotho as a basis not to file a protest.
“Unfortunately, the law is the law and SAFA (South Africa Football Association) should have known about the bookings. We have no hard feelings. We want those points.”
Mokoena – who was curiously missing from the lineup which faced Benin on Tuesday – was booked on the stroke of halftime in Bafana’s Group C against Benin in November 2023, which ended 2-1 in South Africa’s favour, and again in November 2024 against Zimbabwe, when South Africa won 3-1.
That, according to FIFA rules, meant he should not have been eligible for last week’s match.
The likelihood of Bafana losing the points from last week is high, given previous cases.
In 2013, Botswana protested against Ethiopia for having used a player who had accumulated two bookings in their qualifier. FIFA stepped in and awarded a 3-0 win to Botswana.
On claims that Lesotho should have protested 24 hours after the match, Mohapi stated: “There’s no such. If the protest is valid, FIFA will look into it. We are awaiting their response.”
Mokoena – who was curiously missing from the lineup which faced Benin on Tuesday – was booked on the stroke of halftime in Bafana’s Group C against Benin in November 2023, which ended 2-1 in South Africa’s favour, and again in November 2024 against Zimbabwe, when South Africa won 3-1.
That, according to FIFA rules, meant he should not have been eligible for last week’s match.
The likelihood of Bafana losing the points from last week is high, given previous cases.
In 2013, Botswana protested against Ethiopia for having used a player who had accumulated two bookings in their qualifier. FIFA stepped in and awarded a 3-0 win to Botswana.
On claims that Lesotho should have protested 24 hours after the match, Mohapi stated: “There’s no such. If the protest is valid, FIFA will look into it. We are awaiting their response.”
In an intense encounter on March 25, 2025, Nigeria and Zimbabwe faced off in a highly anticipated 2026 world cup qualifYing match that ended in a 1-1 draw. The game showcased the talent and resilience of both teams, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
The match kicked off with nigeria asserting their dominance early on, displaying impressive ball control and aggressive attacking play.
The Super Eagles had a series of chances, with notable efforts from their forward line. However, Zimbabwe’s defense, held firm, demonstrating great organization and tactical awareness coupled with the sloppiness of Moses Simon from Nigeria.
In the 74th minute, Nigeria broke the deadlock when Victor Oshimen found the back of the net with a well-placed diving header from a cross by Nottingham forest’s Ola Aina. The goal ignited celebrations among the Nigerian fans and gave the Super Eagles a crucial advantage.
Following the goal, Zimbabwe regrouped and began to build momentum. They created several opportunities, including hitting the cross bar.
Just before the final whistle, zimbabwe was rewarded for their persistence. in the 91st minute, tawanda chirewa scored a brilliant equalizer, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Nigeria.
The draw leaves Nigeria in a precarious position in their pursuit for the ticket to the 2026 World Cup to be held in USA, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria will look to build on their attacking play while addressing defensive vulnerabilities, while Zimbabwe will take confidence from their resilience and ability to compete against a strong Nigerian side.
Statistics
– Goals: Nigeria: Victor Oshimen (74′), Zimbabwe: Tawanda Chirewa (90′)
For decades, Nigeria has struggled with an unreliable power sector, facing issues such as inadequate electricity generation, weak transmission infrastructure, and frequent grid collapses. Despite numerous policy reforms, the country continues to rely heavily on diesel and petrol generators, placing a significant economic burden on businesses and households.
Meanwhile, Egypt has undergone a remarkable transformation in its energy sector, moving from power shortages to an energy surplus within a decade. Through a mix of strategic government reforms, investment in large-scale projects, diversification of energy sources, and infrastructure modernization, Egypt has positioned itself as a power hub in North Africa. What can Nigeria learn from this success story? Here are five key lessons:
1. Strong Government Commitment and Policy Reforms
One of the primary drivers of Egypt’s power sector transformation was strong government commitment. The Egyptian government implemented clear policies to attract private-sector participation while retaining oversight to ensure efficiency.
Nigeria has embarked on power sector privatization, but weak regulatory enforcement and inconsistent policies have hindered progress. For lasting improvement, Nigeria must:
Establish clear and stable policies that encourage long-term private investments.
Ensure transparency in contract negotiations with independent power producers (IPPs).
Strengthen regulatory agencies to prevent inefficiencies and corruption.
2. Investment in Large-Scale Power Infrastructure
Egypt tackled its energy crisis by rapidly expanding its power generation capacity. A key milestone was its partnership with Siemens, which led to the construction of three massive natural gas-fired power plants, adding 14.4 GW to the grid in just 2.5 years.
Nigeria, despite having vast gas reserves, struggles with underutilization due to poor infrastructure and inadequate gas supply to power plants. The country can learn from Egypt by:
Prioritizing the completion of existing power projects before initiating new ones.
Encouraging more private sector investment in power generation.
Creating a reliable gas supply chain to optimize gas-fired power plants.
3. Diversifying the Energy Mix
Egypt’s power strategy goes beyond natural gas—it has aggressively expanded its renewable energy sector. The Benban Solar Park, one of the world’s largest solar farms, has significantly contributed to Egypt’s energy security. The country has also made strides in wind energy and is exploring nuclear power.
Nigeria, on the other hand, remains overly dependent on gas and hydroelectric power, with minimal investments in renewables. To diversify its energy mix, Nigeria must:
Invest in large-scale solar and wind farms, especially in the northern and coastal regions.
Provide incentives for businesses and households to adopt renewable energy.
Develop clear policies and financing models to attract investment in green energy.
4. Strengthening Transmission and Distribution Networks
A major challenge in Nigeria’s power sector is the weak transmission and distribution system. Even when generation capacity increases, much of the electricity is lost due to an aging and inefficient grid.
Egypt addressed this issue by modernizing its transmission infrastructure, investing in smart grid technology, and reducing transmission losses. Nigeria can follow suit by:
Upgrading transmission lines and substations to handle increased power loads.
Deploying smart grid technology to improve efficiency and reduce energy theft.
Encouraging private-sector participation in power distribution to enhance service delivery.
5. Implementing Stable and Cost-Reflective Electricity Tariffs
Egypt successfully restructured its electricity tariff system to attract investment while maintaining affordability for consumers. Tariffs were adjusted gradually, allowing the sector to become more financially sustainable.
In Nigeria, electricity pricing remains a contentious issue, with subsidies leading to revenue shortfalls for power companies. Frequent tariff adjustments without corresponding service improvements have also led to consumer dissatisfaction. To fix this, Nigeria must:
Implement a gradual, transparent tariff system that balances affordability with industry viability.
Improve service delivery to justify any tariff increases.
Ensure subsidies, where necessary, are targeted at vulnerable consumers rather than being applied indiscriminately.
Egypt’s power sector transformation was not accidental—it was the result of deliberate, strategic actions that prioritized efficiency, investment, and innovation. Nigeria has all the resources needed to achieve a similar transformation, but success will depend on the government’s commitment to execution. By adopting Egypt’s approach to reforms, infrastructure investment, energy diversification, grid modernization, and tariff stability, Nigeria can finally unlock the full potential of its power sector and drive sustainable economic growth.
South Korean multinational Hyundai revealed on Monday a significant $21 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing, which includes a $5.8 billion steel facility in Louisiana.
This new plant is expected to employ over 1,400 workers and will manufacture advanced steel components for Hyundai’s two U.S.-based factories specializing in electric vehicle production. The investment was officially disclosed at the White House, with President Donald Trump, Hyundai Chairman Euisun Chung, and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry in attendance.
CNBC had previously reported on the anticipated announcement and investment details.
Hyundai’s decision aligns with efforts by global corporations to sidestep tariffs and mitigate potential trade conflicts ahead of Trump’s April 2 tariff deadline. In recent months, major international firms such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Japan’s SoftBank have also engaged with the White House to unveil their U.S. expansion strategies.
Hyundai Motor CEO José Muñoz recently told Axios that the “the best way for [Hyundai] to navigate tariffs is to increase localization.”
A dominant player in the U.S. electric vehicle market and a direct competitor to Tesla, the South Korean automaker already operates two large-scale production facilities in Alabama and Georgia. On Monday, Hyundai further confirmed the launch of a third manufacturing plant, also in Georgia.
The trade relationship between the U.S. and South Korea has been a subject of contention. In early March, Trump criticized South Korea for imposing significantly higher tariffs on U.S. exports, claiming the country’s rates were four times those of the United States.
However, Seoul has refuted this assertion. According to the South Korean government, as of 2024, the actual tariff rate on U.S. imports was 0.79%, citing the existing free trade agreement between both nations.
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) stand as a beacon of excellence within Nigeria’s vibrant film industry, celebrating outstanding achievements in television and film since their inception in 2013. Over the years, numerous Nigerian talents have been recognized for their exceptional contributions, with some emerging as multiple award recipients.
The Significance of AMVCA in Nigeria
The AMVCA serves as a prestigious platform that honors the rich entrepreneurial and creative spirit of African filmmakers. By recognizing and celebrating excellence in television and film, the awards have become a pivotal part of Africa’s movie industry, eagerly anticipated by cinephiles both within and outside Nigeria.
The ceremony not only acknowledges established talents but also endeavors to cultivate and inspire new talent through its development programs. This ongoing commitment supports the growth of Nigeria’s creative ecosystem, ensuring sustained development and improved output within the industry.
Notable Nigerian AMVCA Award Winners
1. Funke Akindele – 6 Awards
Funke Akindele leads with six AMVCA wins, showcasing her versatility in both comedy and drama. Her awards include:
2014: Best Actress (Comedy) for The Return of Sheri Koko
2016: Best Actress (Comedy)
2017: Best Actress in a Comedy Movie or TV Series for Jenifa’s Diary
2020: Best Actress in a Comedy for Moms At War
2022: Best Actress in a Comedy for Omo Ghetto: The Saga
In 2024, she received nominations for Best Lead Actress and Best Writing in a Movie for A Tribe Called Judah.
2. Rita Dominic – 3 Awards
Rita Dominic has earned three AMVCA awards:
2014: New Era Award for The Meeting
2015: Best Actress in a Comedy for The Meeting
2017: Best Actress in a Drama/TV Series for 76
3. Osas Ighodaro – 3 Awards
Osas Ighodaro has secured three AMVCA awards:
2022: Best Actress in a Movie/Drama Series for Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story
2022: Best Dressed Female
2023: Best Actress in a Movie/Drama for Man of God
4. Folarin Falana (Falz) – 2 Awards
Falz has demonstrated his talent in both music and film, earning two AMVCA awards:
2016: Best Actor in a Comedy for Jenifa’s Diary
2018: Best Supporting Actor for New Money
5. Broda Shaggi – 2 Awards
Comedian Samuel Perry, known as Broda Shaggi, has won:
2022: Best Actor in a Comedy for Dwindle
2023: Best Actor in a Comedy Drama for Inside Life
6. Adesua Etomi – 2 Awards
Adesua Etomi’s AMVCA accolades include:
2016: Best Actress for Falling
2019: Best Supporting Actress for The King of Boys
7. O.C. Ukeje – 2 Awards
O.C. Ukeje has been recognized with:
2013: Best Actor in a Drama for Two Brides and a Baby
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to clearing the backlog of the N77,000 monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, months after announcing the increase.
The stipend, which was raised from N33,000 to N77,000 in September 2024, has yet to be disbursed despite previous assurances from the authorities.
The delay has caused uncertainty among corps members regarding when they will start receiving the new payment. However, while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, confirmed that the government would ensure the pending payments are made.
Olawande assured that both current corps members and those who were in service at the time of the announcement would receive their accumulated stipends.
Government Addresses Delay, Assures Payment
Olawande acknowledged that while the government remains committed to fulfilling the payment, the process requires time.
“The backlog, we will work on it and make sure it is paid. It may not be immediate but it will happen,” he said during the interview.
His statement follows similar remarks by NYSC Director General Olakunle Nafiu, who recently informed corps members to expect payment by March.
Reason for the Delay
The minister clarified that the delay in disbursing the new allowance was due to budgetary challenges.
“I’ve explained this several times. Some people said, I always say ‘It is a process. It is a process.’ But it’s seriously a process. It’s a government line,” the minister stated.
He further explained that the allowance increase was not originally factored into the budget when it was announced by the president, making it necessary to secure proper funding before payments could be processed.
“Before anybody can approve anything, you must have a budgetary allocation for it. But the budgetary allocation has been done now. We are done with the process and it has been approved,” Olawande said.
Corps Members Anxiously Await New Allowance
The announcement of the NYSC stipend increase was initially welcomed with excitement, as it aligned with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.
However, the prolonged delay has led to frustration among both current corps members and those who were in the program at the time of the announcement in September 2024.
Despite the setbacks, the latest reassurances from the government provide hope that corps members will soon receive the long-awaited payments
World Tuberculosis Day is observed every March 24 as a reminder to continue the fight against the world’s deadliest infectious disease, Tuberculosis (TB). This day is crucial in the ongoing battle against bacterial infections that primarily affect the lungs.
Tuberculosis is a contagious airborne disease primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, most commonly affecting the lungs. A person only needs to inhale a few germs to become infected.
Tuberculosis spreads through airborne particles when an infected person coughs, spits, or sneezes. Due to its severe health, social, and economic consequences, this disease remains a global threat.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the bacteria that causes Tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has existed for millions of years and has been known by different names in different places. However, the term ‘tuberculosis’ was first coined by Johann Schönlein in 1834.
5 Nigerians Who Survived This Disease
According to Institue Of Human Virology, Nigeria, they are all beneficiaries of the USAID TB Local Organizations Network (TB-LON3) program which rapidly scaled up access to tuberculosis services in Lagos, Osun, Ogun and Oyo states.
The five-year project, which started in March 2020 screened 11,940,892 for tuberculosis, identified 52,102 tuberculosis cases and placed 48,774 on treatment.
Zainab Muhammed
Photo credit: Institue Of Human Virology, Nigeria
The 22-year-old had initially sought relief from her persistent cough by visiting a patent medicine store for cough syrup and taking herbal medicines when the symptoms lasted for two months. In January 2022, a community volunteer noticed her during routine community visits.
“The volunteer screened me and told me to go to Badagry General Hospital. Three days later she called me to follow-up. As at the time she called me, I had not gone to the hospital. Her call made me go to the hospital a week after.
At the hospital, they handed me a cup to produce sputum for a test. After the test, my diagnosis was positive for tuberculosis. A nurse at the hospital counselled me and gave me some medications for free. Initially, I thought the drug would not work, especially as I didn’t pay any money, but immediately I started taking the drugs, I saw a huge difference. I was getting better by the day.”
After six months, Zainab completed her course of medications. “Now I am free and very happy. I am advising anyone that coughs around me to allow themselves to be screened by the community volunteer. The test is free and treatment is free too,” she adds.
Agbodohonji Oluwatobi
Photo credit: Institue Of Human Virology, Nigeria
17-year-old Agbodohonji Oluwatobi is a tuberculosis survivor. Her journey began when health workers visited her school, Ajara Comprehensive Senior High School, and talked about the symptoms of tuberculosis, such as coughing. “I realized I had been coughing, experiencing chest pain, and struggling to breathe, so I decided to give my sputum for testing,” Tobi explains.
The following week, she and her father received a call instructing them to go to the hospital for medication. Tobi began her tuberculosis treatment and is now feeling much better. “I’m doing fine now,” she adds with a smile.
Tobi aspires to become a nurse in the future, hoping to help people who are sick just as she was helped.
Gregory Bagwolo
Photo credit: Institue Of Human Virology, Nigeria
Gregory Bagwolo has triumphed over drug-resistant tuberculosis. His ordeal began with a persistent “strange-sounding cough” that lasted for four months and didn’t improve with cough medicine. His mother became increasingly worried about his cough, his poor weight, and unusual sweats.
“He was so lean, despite eating well. We had no idea it was multi-drug resistant tuberculosis until a screening program was conducted at his school, Badagry Senior Grammar School. When I was told the result that Gregory had tuberculosis, I thought it was a spiritual attack, especially since his brother had recently suffered a dislocation that we were still managing,” Gregory’s mother recalls.
At just 10 years old, Gregory began treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis. However, he struggled with the side effects, including vomiting and weakness, and often hid his medication. With the encouragement of his mother and the support of friendly neighbors, Gregory eventually overcame his reluctance to take the drugs. He has now fully recovered and is doing well.
“If you’re coughing like I was, go get a tuberculosis test to check,” Gregory advises.
Esther Aremu
Photo credit: Institue Of Human Virology, Nigeria
Esther Aremu was a frail, malnourished child when she arrived at Adeoyo Government Hospital in Ibadan in June 2021. With her father, a palm wine tapper, unable to afford her care, and her mother having passed away shortly after Esther’s birth, her situation seemed dire. Esther’s guardian, Mrs. Olayemi Aremu, had limited resources as well, having already spent what little money she had on feeding and caring for the malnourished girl.
Though Esther was thin and struggled to breathe, Mrs. Aremu was unsure of what was wrong. “When we found out it was tuberculosis, we were scared. At first, we thought there would be no treatment for it. We didn’t know that the tests and treatment were free. I felt such relief when I learned it was free!” shared Mrs. Aremu, a primary school teacher.
Esther received a free chest X-ray and stool test, and her treatment was completely free of charge.
The hospital, a DOT center for free tuberculosis treatment, is supported by the USAID Tuberculosis Local Organizations Network Region 3 (TB LON 3) project, implemented by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), which provides free TB screening and other vital services.
Six months later, Esther completed her treatment, underwent a free Gene Xpert test to confirm she was free of tuberculosis, and is now flourishing in good health.
Kadiri Latifu
Photo credit: Institue Of Human Virology, Nigeria
In March 2022, Six-year-old Kadiri Latifu was finally able to access free treatment for tuberculosis at the DOT clinic at Adeoyo Hospital a relief to his mother, Mrs. Latifu Dada. As a widow and petty trader, she had spent thousands of naira on cough syrups and other medications, believing her son had malaria.
“Many nights, I stayed awake crying because Kadiri would cough all through the night. He looked so thin and sweated a lot. We tried different medications and even avoided foods like garri, beans, and coconut, thinking they aggravated his cough. But the cough persisted for over nine months. Sometimes, it would ease a bit, only to return again. It wasn’t until we began tuberculosis treatment at the DOT clinic at Adeoyo Hospital that we saw hope,” she explained.
Kadiri started his TB treatment and he is now approaching the end of his six-month treatment. “Look at him now; he’s doing so well. He’s eating well—his favorite food is bread, and he eats beans a lot,” his mother said, visibly relieved.
Mrs. Olapade Folashade, a DOT Officer at Adeoyo Government Hospital, noted that the collaboration with the IHVN USAID TB LON 3 project team of testers and contact tracers has been crucial in ensuring both adults and children remain healthy and preventing the spread of tuberculosis. “This partnership has greatly improved service delivery and patient outcomes,” she said.
Nigeria’s Fight Against Tuberculosis
Nigeria has taken several steps to curb tuberculosis (TB) over the years, although challenges remain.
The National TB Control Program (NTBLCP): This was established by the Nigerian government to coordinate TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control efforts across the country. This program has focused on increasing access to TB services and improving the quality of care.
DOTS Strategy: In line with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, Nigeria adopted the Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) strategy which ensures patients receive the correct medication and complete their treatment under supervision, improving treatment adherence.
Nigeria has taken several key steps to curb tuberculosis (TB), including increasing awareness through public health campaigns, providing free TB diagnosis and treatment, and improving diagnostic tools like GeneXpert for faster and more accurate testing.
For financial and technical support, collaborations with international organizations such as the WHO, Global Fund, and CDC have been crucial in strengthening Nigeria’s TB control programs.
TB and HIV services are integrated to address co-infection, and efforts to strengthen the health system include training health workers and improving reporting systems.
Despite progress, challenges remain, such as limited healthcare access, stigma, and drug-resistant TB, requiring continued investment and collaboration.
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