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From Kanu To Mikel: Six Nigerians Who Lifted UEFA Trophies

Kwaghza Asema Cephas
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From Kanu To Mikel: Six Nigerians Who Lifted UEFA Trophies

Nigeria has long been a breeding ground for football talent, and several Super Eagles players have gone on to achieve glory in Europe’s most prestigious club competitions. From the UEFA Champions League to the Europa League, six Nigerians stand out for their historic triumphs with unforgettable performances and decisive moments in finals that remain part of football folklore.

  1. Nwankwo Kanu – Ajax (1995 Champions League, Inter Milan 1998 UEFA Cup)

Kanu was part of Ajax’s golden generation that stunned Europe in 1995. The Amsterdam club defeated AC Milan 1–0 in the Champions League final, with 18-year-old Patrick Kluivert scoring the winner. While Kanu did not score, his creativity and presence across that campaign were vital.

Three years later, with Inter Milan, he added the UEFA Cup, playing a role as the Italians beat Lazio 3–0 in the 1998 final at Parc des Princes. That triumph underlined his reputation as one of Africa’s most decorated players.

  1. Finidi George – Ajax (1995 Champions League, UEFA Super Cup 1995)

Alongside Kanu, winger Finidi George played a key role in Ajax’s 1995 Champions League triumph, starting in the final against Milan. Known for his pace and work rate on the right flank, Finidi provided balance to a youthful Ajax side that shocked Europe.

He later won the UEFA Super Cup, helping Ajax overcome Real Zaragoza over two legs in 1995.

  1. John Obi Mikel – Chelsea (2012 Champions League, 2013 Europa League)

Mikel delivered one of the greatest individual performances by a Nigerian in a European final. In the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich, played at the Allianz Arena, Mikel was immense in midfield, breaking up attacks and protecting Chelsea’s backline in a game that went to extra time. Chelsea eventually triumphed 4–3 on penalties after Didier Drogba’s dramatic equaliser and decisive spot-kick.

A year later, Mikel added the Europa League medal as Chelsea beat Benfica 2–1 in the 2013 final in Amsterdam. Branislav Ivanović’s stoppage-time header sealed victory, with Mikel again anchoring the midfield.

  1. Taribo West – Inter Milan (1998 UEFA Cup)

The charismatic defender was part of Inter Milan’s backline during their 1998 UEFA Cup run. In the final against Lazio, West featured in the squad as goals from Zamorano, Zanetti and Ronaldo earned Inter a commanding 3–0 win. While Ronaldo stole the headlines with a masterclass, West’s defensive contributions across the campaign ensured Inter remained solid at the back.

  1. Chidi Odiah – CSKA Moscow (2005 UEFA Cup)

Odiah became the first Nigerian to lift a major European trophy with a Russian club. In the 2005 UEFA Cup final against Sporting Lisbon in Lisbon, Odiah played a full 90 minutes at right-back as CSKA stunned the home side 3–1. Goals from Aleksei Berezutski, Yuri Zhirkov, and Vágner Love sealed a historic victory, with Odiah praised for containing Sporting’s dangerous wingers in their own stadium.

  1. Victor Moses – Chelsea (2013 Europa League)

Moses was a key part of Chelsea’s Europa League-winning squad under Rafa Benítez. Though he didn’t feature in the 2013 final against Benfica due to injury concerns, his earlier contributions were crucial, scoring in both legs of the semi-final against Basel. Chelsea’s 2–1 win in the final capped a memorable campaign for the Nigerian winger, earning him a place in history as a UEFA trophy winner.

Oskar Ibru Dies At 67 After Brief Illness

Enyosa Favour
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Oskar Ibru Dies At 67 After Brief Illness

Renowned businessman and chairman of the Ibru Organisation, Olorogun Oskar Ibru, has passed away at the age of 67.

His family confirmed the news in a statement on Wednesday, revealing that he died after a brief illness. However, further details surrounding the circumstances of his death were not disclosed.

Oskar Ibru was a key figure in Nigeria’s corporate landscape and a prominent member of the famous Ibru dynasty. 

He played a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding the family’s business empire, which was established by his late father, Olorogun Michael Ibru. The conglomerate spans multiple sectors, including shipping, oil and gas, real estate, and commerce.

His death comes less than a decade after the passing of the family patriarch, Michael Ibru, who died in 2016.

Funeral arrangements for Oskar Ibru are expected to be announced soon.

Reacting to the news, media entrepreneur and Ovation International publisher, Dele Momodu, expressed his grief and paid tribute to the late business mogul.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Momodu wrote:

“News has just reached me in the skies that one of Nigeria’s most recognisable businessmen, OLORUNGUN OSKAR IBRU, has passed on… He was an extremely friendly gentleman, and a socialite per excellence, who was loved so passionately by families and friends… He was the son of the business Titan, OLOROGUN MICHAEL IBRU… Rest in peace, dear Brother…”

Oskar Ibru will be remembered for his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s business world and his role in upholding the legacy of the Ibru family.

MLS: Messi Double Fires Inter Miami Past New York City FC 4-0

Tosin Onisuuru
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MLS: Messi Double Fires Inter Miami Past New York City FC 4-0

Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass on Wednesday night, scoring twice and assisting once as Inter Miami cruised to a 4-0 victory over New York City FC to clinch a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs.

The Argentine superstar’s brace lifted him to the top of Major League Soccer’s scoring chart with 24 goals in 23 appearances, two clear of LAFC forward Denis Bouanga.

Luis Suárez, back in action after serving a three-game suspension for spitting at a Seattle staff member during the Leagues Cup final, converted a penalty for Miami, while Baltazar Rodriguez also found the net in the emphatic win.

At a rain-soaked Citi Field, the home of baseball’s New York Mets Miami held a narrow 1-0 lead when Messi struck in trademark fashion in the 74th minute. Released by former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, the 37-year-old surged into the box, skipped past a defender, and deftly chipped the ball over goalkeeper Matt Freese.

Suárez extended the advantage from the spot soon after, before Messi capped the night in the 86th minute with a precise angled finish into the bottom corner from the right side of the area.

The victory underlined Miami’s playoff credentials and showcased yet another decisive performance from their captain, who continues to dominate MLS in his first full season.

Eze Scores First Arsenal Goal As Gunners And Man City Reach League Cup Last 16

Kwaghza Asema Cephas
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Eze Scores First Arsenal Goal As Gunners And Man City Reach League Cup Last 16

Eberechi Eze scored his first goal for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s side beat Port Vale 2-0 on Wednesday to secure a place in the League Cup fourth round, joining Manchester City, Tottenham and Newcastle.

Arteta made nine changes from Sunday’s 1-1 draw with City, handing starts to Eze, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Eze, a £68 million summer signing from Crystal Palace, struck after just eight minutes, finishing coolly from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s flick to put Arsenal ahead. Despite controlling the game, the visitors struggled to extend their lead and were almost punished when Devante Cole, son of former Manchester United striker Andy Cole, shot narrowly over.

The tie was finally settled five minutes from time when Leandro Trossard fired a precise finish into the bottom corner to confirm Arsenal’s progress.

Elsewhere, Phil Foden starred for Manchester City in a 2-0 win away to Huddersfield. The England international opened the scoring with a low drive on 18 minutes before setting up Savinho to seal victory late on. Pep Guardiola made nine changes, with Erling Haaland among those rested.

Defending champions Newcastle brushed aside League One leaders Bradford 4-1 at St. James’ Park. Joelinton and William Osula both scored twice as the Magpies struck twice in quick succession early in the match.

Tottenham also advanced comfortably, beating Doncaster 3-0. Joao Palhinha’s overhead kick set the tone, before Jay McGrath turned into his own net. Brennan Johnson added a stoppage-time third, his third goal of the season.

Tinubu Advocates For African Mineral Investment And Enhanced Global Role

Olaosun Rebecca
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Tinubu Advocates For African Mineral Investment And Enhanced Global Role

‎Vice President Kashim Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on behalf of President Bola Tinubu Today Wednesday.
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‎According to Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), the speech is set for 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. New York time, focusing on multilateralism, UN reform, climate action, and international finance restructuring, among other topics.
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‎Last year, President Tinubu used the same platform to advocate for permanent African seats on the United Nations Security Council, a proposal now under consideration by the global body.
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‎On Tuesday morning, Vice President Shettima joined other world leaders for the UNGA’s opening session, where U.S. President Donald Trump gave a keynote address to formally welcome delegates.
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‎Later, Vice President Shettima hosted Namibian President Nandi-Ndaitwah on the sidelines for bilateral discussions, during which she announced her planned official visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nigeria.
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‎President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who assumed office on March 21, 2025, commended Nigerian diplomats for their significant contributions to her government and country.
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‎“All the Nigerian diplomats were basically Namibians, helping in so many ways,” she said, recognizing Nigeria’s leadership among African nations.
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‎Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that the UNGA provided a timely opportunity to meet Vice President Shettima, stating, “I will still find time to come physically and introduce myself to the President.”
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‎Vice President Shettima responded by pledging to strengthen Nigeria-Namibia relations, saying, “We are all Africans, and the Nigeria–Namibia relationship should be taken to the next level, beyond where it is now.”
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‎The meeting included senior officials from both nations, such as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
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‎In a separate high-level meeting, Vice President Shettima met with a Gates Foundation delegation led by CEO Mark Suzman, expressing gratitude for their support in healthcare, agriculture, and financial inclusion while urging increased investment in Nigeria.
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‎“In the Gates Foundation, we have a partner that we trust and believe in. If all high-net-worth individuals made even half the investment Bill Gates has made, the world would be a better place. Kindly convey the highest regards of my boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to Mr Gates,” VP Shettima said.
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‎Highlighting Nigeria’s economic goals, Shettima added, “Our target over the next few years is to achieve annual growth rates of no less than seven per cent, anchored on macroeconomic stability, improved productivity, and strategic investment in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and education.”
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‎Minister of Education Tunji Alausa requested greater Gates Foundation support for education, particularly in technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
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‎“What I want to put on the table to the Gates Foundation is increased investment in education. I have met with your representatives in Africa, and they indicated that the initial focus over the years had been on child nutrition but not education. Now I think there is more focus on education, so I am seeking enhanced support in that area to bolster our foundational education. We don’t have adequate support at all,” the minister said.
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‎In response, CEO Mark Suzman committed to increased investment in human capital development, education, and health, highlighting the foundation’s progress in digital identity and financial inclusion in Nigeria.
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‎He praised the dedication of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, saying, “Nigeria is really one of our strongest partnerships on the African continent, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you about where and how we might be more helpful while assuring you of our continued support.”
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‎“We just signed new grants with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to support related initiatives, and we are very encouraged by your broader efforts,” Suzman added.
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‎The Gates Foundation delegation included Rodger Voorhies, President of the Global Growth and Opportunity Division; Uche Amaonwu, Country Director for Nigeria; and Paulin Basinga, Director for Africa.

FIRS Chairman Justifys Borrowing As Nigeria’s Revenue Hits 411%

Yemisi Lanre-Idowu
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FIRS Chairman Justifys Borrowing As Nigeria’s Revenue Hits 411%

‎Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) reported on Tuesday that the country’s revenue collection soared to N3.64 trillion by September 2025, marking a 411 percent surge from N711 billion in May 2023.
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‎Despite this significant revenue increase, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intends to maintain borrowing as a key element of its comprehensive economic and fiscal policy, according to FIRS Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji.
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‎Speaking to State House correspondents at the recent “Meet-the-Press” series hosted by the Presidential Communications Team, Adedeji explained that borrowing remains a standard part of the nation’s budget and fiscal framework.
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‎“Borrowing is not a problem…is borrowing not part of the budget we submitted to the National Assembly? Was it not approved? Are we borrowing aside what was approved?” he asked.
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‎He clarified that the government’s borrowing is intended for long-term investments, not for immediate expenses like salaries.
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‎“So, if my expenditure for this year is N100,000 and my plan is that N80,000 will be from my revenue, I will borrow N20,000. If I’ve done revenue of N90,000 and I’m borrowing N10,000 according to what I have in my budget, what is the problem with that?” Adedeji said.
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‎He emphasized that borrowing enables governments to mitigate higher future costs and maintain progress on public infrastructure projects, citing the “Matchy Concept,” which advocates funding projects with long-term benefits over time rather than paying for them entirely upfront.
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‎The FIRS chief also responded to critiques of borrowing, which Intensified following President Tinubu’s July request for a $21.5 billion external loan package, comprising a $2 billion foreign currency bond and a N757.98 billion domestic bond to address pension liabilities.
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‎“Don’t forget that banks are part of our economic ecosystem. There is no country or individual in the world that survives based on its own income. When government borrows from banks, it will pay interest. It is from that interest that salaries are paid; it is from salaries that banks pay taxes; and it is from this profit that I collect taxes,” Adedeji explained.
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‎Adedeji credited the revenue surge to reforms that simplified taxation, eased the burden on small businesses, and optimized incentives.
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‎Non-oil revenue saw the most significant growth, soaring from N151 billion to N1.06 trillion during the period, while oil revenue rose to N644 billion.
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‎Value Added Tax (VAT) collections more than tripled, reaching N723 billion, and customs revenue climbed to N322 billion.
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‎The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited played a substantial role in driving the revenue increase.
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‎“Revenue growth alone does not eliminate the need for borrowing. Borrowing is a key element of a sound economic plan and part of the ecosystem for a viable nation. It ensures that investments with long-term benefits can be realised without causing undue strain on current resources,” Adedeji said.
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‎He highlighted ongoing initiatives to maintain revenue growth, such as introducing a new fiscal policy framework, implementing e-invoicing, establishing excise regulations, and standardizing subnational levies.
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‎The FIRS is also considering presumptive taxation for groups that are difficult to tax and lowering corporate tax rates as part of wider constitutional reforms to broaden the tax base.
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‎Adedeji referred to critics of government borrowing as “container economists,” accusing them of relying on superficial analysis and social media narratives without grasping the deeper economic rationale.
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‎He emphasized that borrowing, when aligned with approved budgets, promotes sustainable national development, supports infrastructure projects, and ensures long-term fiscal stability.

Olubadan Coronation: Traffic Diversions As Tinubu Attends

Olaosun Rebecca
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Olubadan Coronation: Traffic Diversions As Tinubu Attends

‎The committee organizing the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has declared traffic diversions in Ibadan in preparation for the ceremony billed for Friday, September 26, 2025, at Mapo Hall.
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‎In a traffic advisory released on Tuesday, the security sub-committee, operating under the main committee led by former CCII President, Chief Bayo Oyero, explained that the diversions were required because President Bola Tinubu will be in attendance.
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‎The advisory stated that from 7:00 a.m. on Friday, the affected routes will be closed. These routes are Beere Junction leading to Mapo Hall, Born Photo Junction leading to Oja’ba, Idi-Arere Junction leading to Oja’ba, and Itamerin Junction leading to Mapo Hall.
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‎To facilitate guest movement, the committee has designated three official parking locations: the Ibadan North Local Government car park opposite the Immigration Office, Agodi; the football field beside Yemetu Police Station; and Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado.
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‎The committee also announced that shuttle buses will be provided to transport well-wishers with valid invitation cards from the designated parking areas to Mapo Hall.
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‎Food vendors and other traders were advised to arrive at the venue between 6:00 a.m. and 6:45 a.m., before the road closures take effect.
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‎The committee added that only the convoys of President Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde will be allowed to use the restricted routes leading directly to Mapo Hall.
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Iran To Continue Oil Sales To China – Paknejad

Tosin Onisuuru
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Iran To Continue Oil Sales To China – Paknejad

Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has said the country’s oil exports to China will continue even if United Nations sanctions are reimposed under the snapback mechanism.

Speaking on Wednesday, Paknejad insisted that Tehran has already adapted to years of restrictions and would not face additional pressure if the measures are reactivated.

Foreign ministers of France, Britain, and Germany (the E3), together with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, met with their Iranian counterpart on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday to negotiate a way forward.

On August 28, the E3 triggered a 30-day countdown to restore UN sanctions, citing Tehran’s non-compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, which was designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Unless a breakthrough is reached, sanctions will automatically snap back on September 27.

European officials are pressing Iran to allow UN nuclear inspectors renewed access to sensitive sites, address concerns over its enriched uranium stockpile, and return to talks with the United States.

When asked about the impact on crude exports, Paknejad said: “They will continue, we have no problem.” He added that Iran has already endured years of “unjust and unilateral U.S. sanctions,” meaning fresh UN restrictions would have little practical effect.

China remains Iran’s biggest oil customer, accounting for nearly 80% of its crude exports in 2024, according to data from energy analytics firm Kpler.

President Lee Pushes For Peaceful Coexistence With North Korea At UN

Promise Ogodogu
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President Lee Pushes For Peaceful Coexistence With North Korea At UN

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday pledged to end what he called a “vicious cycle of unnecessary military tensions” with North Korea, presenting a vision of peaceful coexistence and gradual cooperation between the two Koreas.

Delivering his first address to the United Nations General Assembly, Lee outlined a “phased solution” to the nuclear issue, stressing that denuclearization could not be achieved overnight but required patience and step-by-step progress.

His comments came just two days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un dismissed phased proposals as insincere, accusing Washington and Seoul of using dialogue as a tool to weaken Pyongyang. While Kim said he would not give up his nuclear arsenal to end sanctions, he added there was “no reason to avoid talks” with the U.S. if Washington abandoned its disarmament demands.

Lee said Seoul had already taken steps to de-escalate, including halting propaganda leaflets and loudspeaker broadcasts along the border, and would continue efforts to rebuild trust. “By gradually expanding inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation, we will pave the way for sustainable peace,” he told the Assembly.

Kim, however, ruled out dialogue with Seoul, though he recalled his earlier summits with U.S. President Donald Trump fondly. Trump has said he hopes to meet Kim again this year, but in his wide-ranging speech to the UN on Tuesday, he made no mention of North Korea.

Senator Natasha Refuses Apology To Senate Leaders

Olaosun Rebecca
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Senator Natasha Refuses Apology To Senate Leaders

‎Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has returned to legislative work after her Senate office was reopened, rejecting any attached conditions, including a reported demand for a public apology to the Senate leadership.
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‎On her first day back at the National Assembly, Akpoti-Uduaghan told journalists that her suspension was the result of “illegality and fraud,” warning that Nigeria’s democracy was at risk from what she described as “a culture of impunity and dictatorship” in the legislature.
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‎“I have resumed work, but I must state clearly that I have not been officially informed regarding the reopening of my office,” she said.
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‎“The last correspondence I received from the Clerk of the National Assembly stated that I would not be allowed access due to a pending matter at the Court of Appeal. It is important to clarify the terms under which this office has now been reopened.”
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‎Media reports indicated that her reinstatement was tied to certain conditions, including an apology upon resumption. She dismissed such demands completely.
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‎“Apologise for what, exactly? You cannot apologise for an injustice,” she said, claiming her suspension was based on a fraudulent document from the Senate President’s office.
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‎Akpoti-Uduaghan openly criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of treating her “like a domestic servant” instead of as an elected senator.
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‎“Senator Akpabio is not more of a Nigerian than I am. He is not the governor of this place. The way he treated me is unfortunate and unacceptable. After so many years of democracy, the National Assembly should not be run like a private estate,” she declared.
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‎She vowed to continue pushing for the interests of her constituents and protecting democratic ideals as the 2027 general elections approach.
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‎“If apology is the price for reopening my office, then we have a long dance ahead. But let it be clear: no one is above the law — not even the Senate President,” she said.
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‎She recounted the difficulties she faced during her suspension, including recall attempts, blocked roads in Kogi, smear campaigns, and physical obstructions that once made her travel by helicopter.
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‎Nevertheless, she said she stayed active in pursuing jobs, infrastructure, and development for Kogi Central.
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‎Closing on an emotional note, the senator thanked her constituents, civil society groups, lawyers, political leaders, and the media for their support.
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‎She also expressed appreciation to her husband and family for standing by her throughout the period.
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‎“I believe it was this collective pressure that forced the Senate leadership to soften its stance,” she said.
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