Home Blog Page 29

Uganda’s King Oyo Dies At 34 After 31-Year Reign As World’s Youngest Monarch

By
Favour Enyosa
-
0

King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who became the world’s youngest reigning monarch after ascending the throne at just three years old, has died in Uganda at the age of 34.

The traditional ruler of the Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda died on Thursday, with the kingdom’s Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, announcing his death on Friday.

The cause of death has not been disclosed. However, Ugandan media reported that the monarch had been critically ill and receiving medical treatment in the United States.

Akiiki described the death as an “immeasurable loss” to the royal family and the people of Tooro.

“I call upon all the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful during this profoundly difficult time,” he said.

“May His Majesty the King rest in eternal peace.”

King Oyo Became Monarch At Three

Oyo inherited the Tooro throne in 1995 following the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Rukidi III.

Because he was only three years old at the time, a regency was established to oversee the affairs of the kingdom until he became an adult. The queen mother was among those involved in managing the kingdom during his childhood.

Oyo was formally crowned when he turned 18 in 2010.

His early accession earned him recognition from Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest reigning monarch, a title he held after becoming king as a toddler.

The Tooro Kingdom, also known as Toro, is one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms. Although Uganda is governed by an elected president and traditional kingdoms do not hold constitutional political authority, they continue to play an important cultural role in the country.

Oyo was the 13th monarch of Tooro, a kingdom established in the early 19th century.

Oyo’s Legacy In Uganda

During his 31-year reign, Oyo grew from a child monarch into a prominent cultural figure in Uganda.

According to Uganda’s Daily Monitor, he supported several causes, including youth empowerment, education, climate conservation and HIV/AIDS awareness.

His unusual journey from becoming king at three to assuming full royal responsibilities as an adult made him one of Uganda’s most recognised traditional leaders.

Tributes have since come from traditional institutions across Uganda.

The Buganda Kingdom, the country’s largest and most influential traditional institution, expressed condolences to the people of Tooro and described Oyo as an important figure in Uganda.

Tooro Kingdom Confirms Succession

Despite Oyo not being officially married, the Tooro Kingdom has confirmed that the royal line will continue.

Akiiki said the late king had a son who would serve as his heir, although the prince’s identity will be formally announced at the appropriate time according to Tooro traditions.

“The continuity of the Crown is assured,” he said.

“His Majesty leaves behind a Prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom.”

The Tooro monarchy follows a hereditary system of succession.

Oyo’s death marks the end of a remarkable 31-year reign that began when he was just three years old and continued into adulthood, leaving behind a legacy that combined traditional leadership with advocacy for social and environmental causes.

Police Rescue 11 NYSC Members And Other Passengers Abducted Along Kogi Highway

By
Favour Enyosa
-
0

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of passengers, most of them National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area.

The victims were travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja when armed men reportedly emerged from a nearby bush and intercepted two buses along the highway.

The incident occurred on Wednesday around the Ogene Zaria area, near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction.

The police confirmed on Friday that 11 abducted passengers had been rescued following a coordinated security operation.

According to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Salisu Oyiza Afusat, the Ofu Divisional Police Officer quickly mobilised a joint security team after receiving a distress call about the attack.

Security operatives reportedly discovered two abandoned vehicles at the scene—a white Hummer bus belonging to Peace Mass Transit and a yellow 18-seater bus.

The discovery prompted security personnel to launch a wider search of the surrounding forest, during which the abducted passengers were located and rescued.

“Most of the rescued victims are NYSC members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja,” Afusat said.

She added that the drivers of both vehicles were also among those rescued.

Following their recovery, the victims were debriefed by security personnel and allowed to continue their journey after the necessary procedures were completed.

Security operatives have, however, continued searching the surrounding forest to determine whether additional victims remain in captivity and to track down those responsible for the attack.

The police said security and intelligence resources were being deployed to the area to improve safety for residents and travellers and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The police confirmation came after a woman who identified herself as the sister of one of the abducted corps members appealed for help.

In a video circulated online, she said her sister had travelled to Bayelsa State for the mandatory three-week NYSC orientation programme and was returning to Abuja when the vehicle she was travelling in was attacked.

She appealed to the Federal Government, NYSC authorities and members of the public to assist in securing the safe release of those who may still be in captivity.

The woman also revealed that her family had recently lost their mother, saying the abduction had placed additional emotional and financial pressure on the family.

The latest rescue operation highlights continuing security concerns along some major highways in Kogi State, particularly routes used by travellers moving between the South-South and Abuja.

NSC Approves Emmanuel Ikpeme As Interim NFF General Secretary Amid Football Reforms

By
Favour Enyosa
-
0

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has approved former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme to oversee the federation’s secretariat as interim General Secretary.

The decision follows a major leadership shake-up at the NFF, after Ibrahim Gusau resigned as president, Mohammed Sanusi stepped down as General Secretary, and members of the federation’s executive committee also resigned on Thursday.

Ademola Olajire, a former NFF Director of Media and Communications, has been appointed interim Deputy General Secretary.

The NSC has also suspended all processes relating to the NFF elective congress scheduled for September 27.

A new electoral process is expected to begin after the completion of a comprehensive reform programme for Nigerian football.

The reforms will be carried out in consultation with FIFA, football’s global governing body, and CAF, its continental counterpart, as well as the Federal Government and other stakeholders.

The aim is to establish a clear roadmap for the future administration and development of Nigerian football.

As part of the transition, chairmen, appointed directors and chief executive officers overseeing the country’s major football leagues have been directed to hand over administrative responsibilities to their respective chief operating officers.

The directive covers the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One.

The COOs are expected to be NFF staff members. Where an existing COO is not an NFF employee, the interim General Secretary will appoint a replacement from within the federation.

The NSC said the temporary arrangements are designed to maintain stability and ensure the continued administration of Nigerian football while consultations with FIFA, CAF, government officials and other stakeholders continue.

Further directives and changes are expected to be announced as the reform process progresses.

Why Gusau Resigned

Gusau announced his resignation during a press conference at the NFF Glass House in Abuja on Thursday.

He said he chose to step aside to give other Nigerians an opportunity to contribute to the development of football in the country.

Although Nigeria’s men’s and women’s national teams failed to qualify for the World Cup, Gusau maintained that he was leaving the federation in a better condition than he found it.

“I just want to tell you that I decided to resign my position as the NFF President. I informed my board members and advised them that anybody who wants to follow me to also resign, but as I am talking to you, I cannot tell you who and who or how many board members that have resigned,” he said.

His resignation came amid increasing criticism of football administration in Nigeria, particularly following recent setbacks involving the Super Eagles and Super Falcons, who both missed out on World Cup qualification.

Gusau was elected NFF president at the federation’s 78th Elective Congress in September 2022 and resigned before the completion of his tenure.

Meanwhile, former Nigerian international Segun Odegbami has called on the Federal Government to bring in football experts to help address the challenges affecting the country’s football administration.

The latest leadership changes are expected to pave the way for broader reforms aimed at restructuring the administration of Nigerian football and restoring confidence in the system.

Norway’s King Harald V Dies At 89 After Serious Illness, Crown Prince Haakon Succeeds Him

By
Favour Enyosa
-
0

Norway is mourning the death of King Harald V, who passed away at the age of 89 after a period of serious illness, the Norwegian Royal Palace announced on Friday.

Harald, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 am on Friday, August 28, after being admitted to the hospital on August 17.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28 at 6:35 am,” (0435 GMT), the palace said in a statement.

Following his death, the Norwegian flag at the Royal Palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast as members of the public gathered to pay their respects.

King Harald Battled Serious Health Problems

Harald had been receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed more quickly than the body can replace them. The condition can cause symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.

His condition deteriorated significantly in the days before his death, with the palace describing it as “extremely serious” on Thursday.

Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, his wife Mette-Marit and their adult children gathered at the king’s bedside. Haakon reportedly remained at the hospital overnight as his father’s condition worsened.

Harald had experienced several health challenges in recent years, including infections and other conditions that eventually led to him having a pacemaker fitted. His official schedule had also been reduced because of his health.

Despite his declining health, Harald consistently rejected the idea of abdicating, saying he had made a lifelong oath before Norway’s parliament.

Norwegians Remember A Unifying Monarch

News of the king’s death prompted members of the public to gather outside the palace in Oslo, where they laid flowers and shared memories of the monarch.

Kaspara Bolstad, 24, described Harald as “a very steady and warm king”.

“I think the entire Norwegian people see him as a role model and as someone who brings people together. Whether you’re for or against the monarchy, I think he’s well-liked across the board,” she said.

Magnus Skaugseth, 27, also praised the late monarch’s inclusive approach to leadership.

“He was so inclusive and committed to having values that are inclusive in the society we live in today. When there is so much division and polarisation, he was a pillar pointing in the opposite direction,” Skaugseth said.

Harald became king in 1991 and remained a popular figure among Norwegians, largely because of his reputation for bringing people together and his modest, down-to-earth lifestyle.

Crown Prince Haakon Becomes King

Following Harald’s death, his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically succeeds him as Norway’s new monarch.

Haakon has long represented the royal family at official events and is expected to take on the responsibilities of the Norwegian throne following his father’s death.

The transition comes after a difficult period for Norway’s royal family, which has faced several health and personal challenges over the past year.

A Difficult Year For Norway’s Royal Family

King Harald was hospitalised in February after suffering an infection and dehydration while on a private trip to Tenerife with Queen Sonja.

Queen Sonja, also 89, was briefly hospitalised in May because of heart problems.

The family has also faced controversy surrounding Haakon’s wife, Mette-Marit, and her reported links to Jeffrey Epstein. Her son, Marius Borg Hoiby, has also faced significant legal problems and was sentenced in June to four years in prison following convictions for rape and other offences. He has appealed the verdict.

Mette-Marit has also faced serious health challenges of her own and underwent a lung transplant in July.

Despite the controversies and health difficulties surrounding the family, the Norwegian monarchy has maintained broad public support, with Harald’s long reign and reputation as a unifying and approachable monarch contributing significantly to its popularity.

Nepal Flood Disaster: Death Toll Hits 552 As Over 1,400 Remain Missing

By
Favour Enyosa
-
0

Devastating floods and landslides along the Nepal-Tibet border have killed at least 552 people, with more than 1,400 others still missing as rescue teams race to find survivors amid fears of further flooding.

Nepalese police said on Friday that at least 547 people had died in the disaster, while Chinese state media reported five additional deaths in Tibet, bringing the combined toll to at least 552.

Hundreds of foreigners are among those still unaccounted for, while rescue operations have been complicated by damaged roads, unstable terrain and the threat of additional floods.

The United States Geological Survey said the disaster was triggered by a glacial collapse that sent a massive flow of ice, water and debris through affected communities. It is being described as Nepal’s deadliest disaster since the 2015 earthquake.

Indian authorities have also recovered seven bodies from rivers flowing from Nepal, which they believe may belong to victims of the floods. The bodies are not included in Nepal’s official death toll as efforts to identify them continue.

The disaster has created huge pools of water and debris across the region, with one such formation reportedly bursting in Tibet on Friday.

Nepali police warned rescue workers to immediately move to safer areas after receiving information that “a water dam has burst again on the Tibetan side”.

China also temporarily suspended rescue operations in the worst-hit area of Gyirong because of concerns over renewed flooding.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that a lake created by enormous piles of debris had begun overflowing towards areas where rescue teams were preparing to operate.

“So all rescue teams have been ordered to stand by in place and wait for further instructions,” it said, adding that emergency teams which had earlier accessed the area “have been ordered to withdraw one kilometer”.

A meeting chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping also highlighted “many hidden dangers of glaciers, ice lakes and geological disasters in the surrounding area” and warned that “rescue is facing great difficulties,” according to Xinhua.

Rescue teams in Nepal have also been working to reach more than 100 people trapped inside a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project.

Nepali Army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said helicopters had been deployed, although reaching the tunnel has proved difficult because rescuers have struggled to locate its entrances.

“Two helicopters have been dispatched, but it is challenging because it is tough to even locate the entry points of the tunnel,” he said.

About 350 workers and residents have already been rescued from the site, while efforts continue to reach those still trapped.

One survivor, Buddha Tamang, said he escaped the flood because he was inside a tunnel when the disaster struck.

“I survived as I was in the tunnel,” said Tamang, who was airlifted after spending more than 24 hours stranded.

“The senior officers working on the other side, they were all swept away.”

The disaster has left families searching hospitals, emergency centres and rescue sites for information about relatives who remain missing.

Kula Priya, whose eldest son disappeared in the floods, said she had lost everything in the disaster.

“I don’t care for wealth. I just want my son back. If any of you could rescue my son, please do it for me,” she said.

“I don’t know where to go. We had three houses, all of which were washed away by the floods.”

Nepali authorities said 910 people, including 517 foreign tourists, remained out of contact. Indians account for the largest group of missing foreign nationals, while the United States said 90 of its citizens were still unaccounted for.

Across the border in Tibet, Chinese authorities said hundreds of people remained missing and three had died. Officials also reported that 555 stranded tourists and 499 Chinese residents had been evacuated.

Pilgrims Among Those Missing

The affected region is also an important route for Hindu pilgrims travelling towards Mount Kailash in China, leaving several international pilgrims among those missing.

Logadarrsiny Raman, a 26-year-old Malaysian, said she had lost contact with her parents, aunt and uncle, who were travelling as part of a group of 17 Malaysians.

According to Raman, the travel agency last contacted the group on Wednesday morning while they were heading towards the Nepal-China border. The floods struck the area shortly afterwards.

“I’m very anxious,” she said. “My only hope is to hear back from them that they are safe.”

With rescue operations continuing under increasingly difficult conditions, authorities on both sides of the border are racing against time to locate survivors, account for missing people and protect emergency workers from further flooding.

WHO Declares Uganda’s Ebola Outbreak Over

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
-
0

The World Health Organization has confirmed that Uganda’s outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is officially over, even as the virus continues to spread rapidly across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A WHO official told a briefing on Wednesday that Uganda’s all-clear follows the government’s own declaration on July 28 that it was free of the disease, which had infected 20 people and claimed two lives. The WHO says it kept monitoring the situation until this week to make sure no chains of transmission had slipped through unnoticed.

The picture in Congo, however, remains far more troubling. Dr. Marie Roseline Belizaire, the WHO’s director of emergency preparedness for the African region, told a regional meeting that cases there keep climbing despite some headway being made. The outbreak has become the second-deadliest in the disease’s history, with Congolese authorities reporting more than 2,700 deaths and over 5,600 cases as of Tuesday — figures that continue to outpace containment efforts on the ground.

Belizaire said transmission is still very active, though the rate of spread has at least slowed. She pointed to gains in contact tracing and testing, along with reassuring lab findings showing no signs so far that the Bundibugyo virus has mutated despite its rapid spread.

Still, she warned of an urgent $30 million funding shortfall needed to keep medical supplies and protective equipment flowing to the hardest-hit parts of Congo, cautioning that without immediate investment, the progress made so far risks stalling out.

At Least 12 Killed As Wildfires Rage Across Northern Algeria

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
-
0

Wildfires have torn through large parts of northern Algeria, leaving at least 12 people dead and dozens more injured, as the country’s civil protection authorities battle dozens of separate blazes along the northern coastline.

Interior Minister Said Sayoud said on Wednesday night that at least 54 people had suffered burn injuries, six of them in intensive care. He gave a province-by-province breakdown of the fatalities: five deaths in Jijel, four in Bejaia and three in Tizi Ouzou. Sayoud has since travelled to Bejaia alongside Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene to review firefighting and evacuation efforts on the ground.

Authorities and local media report that many homes in Bejaia and Jijel have been evacuated, with local broadcaster Jijel News airing footage of residents sheltering from thick smoke inside a post office. Firefighters were reportedly tackling 69 active blazes nationwide as of Wednesday evening.

The disaster comes as a severe heatwave grips North Africa, hitting Algeria and Tunisia especially hard. It also echoes a similar tragedy three years ago, when wildfires devastated forest and farmland in the Bejaia region and killed 30 people. Just last month, authorities recorded six fire-related deaths as crews fought more than 2,000 blazes across the country in July alone.

While wildfires are a recurring summer hazard in Algeria, experts say climate change is intensifying their scale and severity. The World Meteorological Organization notes that North Africa has become the fastest-warming subregion on the continent, with temperatures climbing 0.43°C per decade between 1991 and 2025. The same warming trend has also been linked to a rise in camel deaths during summer heatwaves, according to a recent study.

Tanzania Expels Nchimbi From Ruling Party Over ‘Indiscipline’

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
-
0

Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party has expelled Emmanuel Nchimbi, days after he announced his resignation as the country’s vice-president just 10 months into the role.

The 54-year-old had stirred controversy in recent weeks with a series of pointed remarks, including a call for Tanzanians to push for a new constitution, fuelling speculation of a rift with President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Nchimbi served as Samia’s running mate in October’s fiercely disputed presidential election, a vote that triggered violent unrest in which hundreds of people were killed.

The CCM’s decision to expel him for indiscipline was made at an extraordinary party meeting chaired by President Samia, though officials gave no details on the specific allegations against him. Nchimbi’s resignation, which he shared in a brief letter posted to Instagram on Tuesday, takes effect at the end of next week and makes him the first vice-president in Tanzania’s history to step down from the post. He said he had come to believe, “without doubt,” that the president wanted change.

Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi, 43, has been nominated to succeed him and will now need parliamentary approval to take up the role.

Samia and Nchimbi were sworn in last November after a landslide win of 98% of the vote, in an election boycotted by the main opposition party, Chadema, which had demanded electoral reforms before taking part. The vote’s aftermath was marked by a deadly crackdown, with an official inquiry putting the death toll from the unrest at more than 50, a figure human rights groups and opposition parties have linked to a violent security force response to anti-government protests.

DHQ Debunks Fake AI Video Of CDS Olufemi Oluyede Making Partisan Political Remarks

By
Favour Enyosa
-
0

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed a viral video allegedly showing the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, making remarks that appeared to suggest support for a particular political interest.

The military authorities said on Thursday that the video was fabricated and did not originate from the Defence Chief, urging Nigerians to disregard its contents.

In a statement shared on its X handle and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the DHQ described the statements attributed to Oluyede as false.

“The Defence Headquarters wishes to state unequivocally that the video is fake and did not emanate from the Chief of Defence Staff,” the statement said.

“The statements attributed to the CDS in the video are false and should be completely disregarded,” it added.

DHQ Says Video Was AI-Generated

According to the military, the footage was created using artificial intelligence and appears to have been designed to mislead the public, misrepresent the position of the Chief of Defence Staff and damage the reputation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“The video is a product of Artificial Intelligence-generated manipulation, apparently designed to deceive and mislead the public, misrepresent the position of the Chief of Defence Staff and bring the Armed Forces of Nigeria into disrepute,” the military said.

The DHQ stressed that the Nigerian military remains politically neutral and operates as a professional, non-partisan institution.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains a professional, apolitical and non-partisan institution, committed to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the defence of the nation,” it said.

Military Warns Against Sharing Fake Video

The Defence Headquarters condemned the creation and circulation of the fabricated footage and warned those responsible, as well as anyone knowingly promoting it, to stop immediately.

“The Defence Headquarters strongly condemns the deliberate creation and circulation of the fake video and warns those behind such acts, as well as persons knowingly amplifying the material, to desist forthwith,” the statement said.

The military also advised Nigerians to verify information through its official communication channels and avoid relying on the viral video or other unverified materials circulating online.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns over the use of AI-generated content to impersonate public figures and spread misleading information online.

NPFL Signs $7.5m EUROMATCH Sponsorship Deal, 60% Of Funds To Go To Clubs

By
Favour Enyosa
-
0

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has secured a new three-year title sponsorship agreement worth $7.5 million with EUROMATCH, with 60 per cent of the revenue set to go directly to participating clubs.

The partnership, valued at $2.5 million per season, was unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday, with EUROMATCH confirmed as the league’s new title sponsor ahead of the 2026/27 season.

NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, said the decision to allocate the larger share of the sponsorship income to clubs was designed to ensure that the league’s commercial growth directly improves players’ wages and welfare.

“Let me announce to you that the deal is about $2.5m every season from EUROMATCH for three seasons. That is $7.5m,” Elegbeleye said.

“That will help in increasing players’ wages. Of course, we don’t give the money to the clubs ourselves, but 60 per cent goes straight to the clubs. That is the agreement. This must be reflected in the welfare of the footballers.”

The sponsorship represents a major commercial boost for the domestic league, which has undergone several reforms focused on improving club finances, player welfare, broadcasting, branding and the overall commercial value of the competition.

Elegbeleye stressed that the league’s commercial strategy was primarily about creating better opportunities for the players, whom he described as the main attraction of football.

“In football and in sport generally, the athletes and the players are the attractions, not the administrators. To be honest, there are players that we want to promote, not those of us who are the administrators.

“The fact is that it is not my business to be in the public eye here. The business is about the players. Nigerians should know them. It is not the business of an administrator to be showing his face everywhere. I can be there, but I should appear in the background.

“Let our players shine. Let the world know them. Let our league be known. Those of us behind the scenes, let our work reflect and let our work show,” he said.

The NPFL chairman added that higher earnings would play an important role in improving players’ motivation, welfare and productivity.

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, described the agreement as evidence that Nigeria’s decision to position sports as a business was beginning to attract significant investment.

Dare praised the NPFL for embracing reforms and acknowledged the efforts of clubs, management, owners and other stakeholders in sustaining the changes despite challenges over the past three years.

“First, I think the NPFL must be commended for embracing change and reforms. I know the last three-plus years have not been easy for them, but they have kept at it,” he said.

“Also, especially the clubs, the management and ownership of the clubs, and the key stakeholders have keyed into that change. And this is what happens when you embrace change that is progressive: you attract investment.

“Seeing this come to life, $7.5m over the next three years is massive. But also, it speaks to the effort we made when we classified sports as a business.”

According to Dare, the reforms are supported by a 10-year football master plan aimed at developing the sport, attracting foreign direct investment, strengthening branding and increasing the commercial appeal of Nigerian football.

He said the developments could also have a positive effect on the country’s national teams.

“I think that will also impact what we see in our national teams—the Super Eagles, the Under-20, Under-17 and others,” Dare said.

Dare further disclosed that government funding for sports had increased from N1.9 billion to N76 billion, while stressing that increased public spending must be accompanied by reforms that bring Nigerian sports closer to international standards.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, described the sponsorship as a significant development for Nigerian football.

He said the agreement would strengthen the NPFL while creating more opportunities for clubs and players. Gusau also pledged continued NFF support for initiatives aimed at improving the standard, visibility and commercial value of domestic football.

Group Chairman of EUROMATCH GROUP, Sadi Semih, said the company views the three-year agreement as a strategic investment in Nigerian football.

He said EUROMATCH would work with the NPFL and other stakeholders to ensure the partnership delivers sustainable value and increases the league’s international visibility.

The agreement comes as the NPFL prepares for the 2026/27 season and continues efforts to build a stronger financial and commercial foundation for domestic football.

The league is also expected to increase its financial rewards for participating clubs, with the 2026/27 champions projected to receive a record N1 billion prize, according to the National Sports Commission.

Former Super Eagles stars Daniel Amokachi, Samson Siasia, Austin Eguavoen and Brown Ideye were among the dignitaries present at the unveiling of the new partnership.

1...282930...2,682Page 29 of 2,682