Sunday Oliseh Identifies Player Quality as Major Reason Behind Super Eagles’ Struggles

Former Super Eagles captain and coach Sunday Oliseh has blamed Nigeria’s recent difficulties in football on the quality of players currently available to the national team, arguing that the present generation falls short of the standards set by their predecessors.

Oliseh made the remarks during an appearance on The Play Zone Podcast, where he insisted that the quality of personnel remains a major factor in the team’s struggles.

“The reason why we are failing is so obvious that I am embarrassed when I hear people don’t talk about it. We are failing because we are not good enough,” the former midfielder said.

Oliseh Recalls Nigeria’s Former Football Stars

The former Super Eagles coach argued that previous generations featured players with greater depth of quality, many of whom established themselves at some of Europe’s most prominent clubs.

He cited former Nigerian internationals, including Finidi George, Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Victor Ikpeba, Taribo West, Celestine Babayaro, Ben Iroha and Tijani Babangida.

Oliseh referenced their experiences with clubs such as Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund, AS Monaco, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Chelsea to illustrate the level of European football exposure enjoyed by Nigerian players in earlier years.

He questioned whether the current Super Eagles squad has comparable representation at clubs competing for European silverware.

To emphasise his point, Oliseh challenged listeners to identify current Nigerian internationals playing for teams with ambitions of winning the UEFA Conference League.

“Which of the Nigerian players in the national team now is playing at a team that starts this season to aspire to win the Conference League?” he asked.

He added that he wasn't even referring to the UEFA Champions League or Europa League, but the Conference League, which he described as UEFA's lowest-ranked of
three principal men’s club competitions.

Player Quality Debate Returns to the Fore

Oliseh’s assessment has added to the ongoing conversation about the reasons behind the Super Eagles’ inconsistent performances and what needs to change for the team to regain its competitive standing.

While the former captain believes the standard of available players is a fundamental concern, questions surrounding coaching, tactical execution, team chemistry and player development also remain part of the wider discussion.

His comparison between past and present generations also draws attention to the pathways through which Nigerian footballers develop and establish themselves at top-level clubs.

Oliseh brings experience from both sides of the national team, having captained Nigeria during his playing days before taking charge as head coach between 2015 and 2016.

His latest comments place the spotlight on the quality of Nigeria’s player pool and the standards required to compete consistently against the leading national teams in international football.

Broda Shaggi Recounts Terrifying Stray Bullet Experience as Fans Thank God for His Survival

Fans of popular Nigerian comedian and skit maker Samuel Perry, widely known as Broda Shaggi, have taken to social media to express gratitude and offer prayers after the entertainer revealed how he was struck by a stray bullet.

The comedian shared details of the frightening experience in a video posted on his YouTube channel late Wednesday, recounting how the incident occurred while he was caught in traffic after a filming session.

According to Broda Shaggi, he suddenly heard a loud bang before experiencing a temporary loss of hearing. Moments later, he touched his hip and discovered that he was bleeding from a gunshot wound.

His account has since generated emotional reactions from fans, with many expressing relief that he survived the incident and thanking God for sparing his life.

Several viewers described his survival as a second chance, while others welcomed him with heartfelt prayers and messages of encouragement, expressing appreciation that the entertainer was alive to share his experience.

However, amid the outpouring of support, one viewer raised questions about the authenticity of the video.

The reactions highlight the concern and relief among Broda Shaggi’s followers as they respond to his account of the traumatic encounter, with many continuing to wish him well. 

The comedian shared details of the frightening experience in a video posted on his YouTube channel late Wednesday, recounting how the incident occurred while he was caught in traffic after a filming session.

According to Broda Shaggi, he suddenly heard a loud bang before experiencing a temporary loss of hearing. Moments later, he touched his hip and discovered that he was bleeding from a gunshot wound.

His account has since generated emotional reactions from fans, with many expressing relief that he survived the incident and thanking God for sparing his life.

Several viewers described his survival as a second chance, while others welcomed him with heartfelt prayers and messages of encouragement, expressing appreciation that the entertainer was alive to share his experience.

However, amid the outpouring of support, one viewer raised questions about the authenticity of the video.

The reactions highlight the concern and relief among Broda Shaggi’s followers as they respond to his account of the traumatic encounter, with many continuing to wish him well.

Ogun Gas Emissions: 95 Students Treated as Parents Demand Lasting Solution

Recurring gas emissions in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, have raised concerns among parents after more students reportedly experienced breathing difficulties, dizziness, nausea, headaches and fainting.

The latest incident, which occurred on Wednesday, led to the hospitalisation of dozens of students and the temporary closure of some schools.

A staff member at the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode said that 95 students received treatment following the incident, with some requiring oxygen before being discharged.

One of the affected students returned to the hospital the following day after continuing to experience weakness and chest pain.

The recurring emissions have reportedly affected more than 300 students across multiple incidents between April and October 2026.

Government Investigates Source of Gas

Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said government investigations had detected methane and other gases in the affected areas.

According to him, preliminary findings suggest that the emissions may originate from underground geological formations, potentially involving fault lines. However, further investigations are ongoing to establish the precise source.

The state government is working with relevant agencies and experts, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Department of Geology at Olabisi Onabanjo University, to determine the cause.

Oresanya said additional technical assessments would help establish whether the gases originate from shallow underground reservoirs or deeper geological formations.

Parents Demand Lasting Solution

Parents have expressed fears about the possible long-term effects of repeated exposure, despite reports that affected students received medical attention and no deaths had been recorded in the incidents described.

Adetayo Adegbenro, secretary of the Ijebu-Ode Parents Forum, acknowledged that the government had provided free treatment for affected children but urged authorities to find a permanent solution.

He said the recurring incidents were making parents anxious about sending their children to school.

Residents have also reported detecting the unusual odour in markets and other public spaces, raising concerns beyond the affected schools.

Government Assures Residents

Oresanya said the government had installed gas sensors and established emergency response measures, including ambulance support, to respond when further emissions occur.

He advised residents experiencing symptoms after exposure to seek medical attention promptly and said the government would cover treatment costs, including at private hospitals.

The commissioner also warned residents against sealing their homes completely, explaining that methane can pose an explosion risk if it accumulates in enclosed spaces and encounters an ignition source.

Meanwhile, Kehinde Bello, General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, said preliminary findings pointed to a possible natural geological occurrence rather than sabotage or a pipeline leak.

As investigations continue, parents and residents are calling for a definitive explanation and effective measures to prevent further exposure, particularly among schoolchildren.

Abdulmumin Jimoh Stages Stunning Comeback to Win African Scrabble Championship

Nigeria’s Abdulmumin Jimoh has emerged champion of the 16th African Scrabble Championship after an impressive comeback in Monrovia, Liberia, where the competition concluded on Sunday. Nigeria also clinched the Best Country award, finishing ahead of Kenya and hosts Liberia.

Jimoh, who represents Gateway Scrabble Club, finished top of the 110-player competition with 23 wins and a cumulative spread of +1,760 points. His compatriot and reigning Nigerian national champion, George Ezinore, also recorded 23 victories but settled for second place with a spread of +1,005 points.

Another Nigerian, Delta State-born wordsmith Emmanuel Umujose, completed an all-Nigerian podium by finishing third overall.

Jimoh Rises Through the Ranks to Claim Continental Crown

Jimoh’s triumph came after a demanding four-day contest in which he gradually worked his way up the standings before making his decisive move on the final day.

The Kogi State-born Scrabble player began the championship cautiously, finishing the opening day in 12th position with five wins, one defeat and a spread of +257 points.

He improved significantly on day two, taking his tally to 10 victories and increasing his cumulative spread to +780 points. The performance lifted him to third place and put him firmly in contention for the title.

However, the battle for the championship intensified on the third day, with Jimoh dropping to sixth position despite recording six additional wins and improving his spread to +1,040 points.

With the title race approaching its climax, the Nigerian launched a determined challenge on the final day, producing a series of strong performances that propelled him to the top of the leaderboard.

A crucial victory over Larry Etuwa, which ended 430–362 in round 31, took Jimoh to 23 wins and a spread of +1,823 points, placing him in a commanding position to win the championship.

Although he subsequently lost his final game to Ezinore, the points accumulated throughout the tournament proved sufficient to secure the continental title.

Ezinore Finishes Second Despite Final-Round Victory

Ezinore remained a strong contender throughout the closing stages of the championship, keeping the pressure on his compatriot as the race for the top spot reached its decisive phase.

One of his notable results was a 510–339 victory over Kenya’s Gitonga Nderitu, which strengthened his position in second place.

At that stage, Ezinore had recorded 22 wins and a spread of +942 points, trailing Jimoh by one victory and 881 spread points.

Ezinore's subsequent win over Jimoh in their final encounter was not enough to overturn the deficit accumulated over the preceding rounds, leaving him as runner-up.

The result marked another strong continental performance for the Nigerian national champion, who once again finished second at the championship.

Jimoh’s victory also continues Nigeria’s recent success at the African Scrabble Championship. He succeeds his clubmate, Oluwatimilehin Doko, who won the title two years ago in Kigali, Rwanda, while Ezinore also finished second at that edition.

Reports from the competition indicated that Doko fell ill during the physically and mentally demanding tournament, managing 17 victories.

Nigeria Claims Best Country Award

Beyond Jimoh’s individual success, Nigeria further demonstrated its strength in African Scrabble by winning the Best Country award ahead of Kenya and host nation Liberia.

The country’s dominance was particularly evident in the overall standings, where Nigerian players occupied the first three positions through Jimoh, Ezinore and Umujose.

The result reinforces Nigeria’s reputation as one of the continent’s leading Scrabble nations, supported by its depth of talent and strong performances at international competitions.

Ghana’s Betty Kyeremateng Wins Female Category

In the women’s competition, Ghana’s Betty Kyeremateng emerged as the Best Female Player after securing 20 victories from 32 games.

Nigeria’s Sophia Ekeruche finished second in the female standings with 18 wins. Ekeruche, who was recognised as the World’s Best Female Junior Player in both 2025 and 2026, added another notable result to her growing record in the sport.

The 16th African Scrabble Championship ended with Nigeria celebrating both individual and national honours in Monrovia, led by Jimoh’s impressive recovery from outside the early top positions to claim the continent’s premier Scrabble title.

The Enugu State APC Campaign Council has commenced strategic preparations for the 2027 general elections, with a focus on voter mobilisation, campaign coordination and promoting Governor Peter Mbah alongside other candidates of the party across the state.

The council held a strategic committee meeting convened by its Director-General, Chief Charlie Mbah, bringing together key members of the campaign leadership to discuss operational plans, assess political dynamics and develop a unified strategy for the forthcoming elections.

Among those present were the Deputy Directors-General representing the three senatorial districts: Deacon Okey Ogbodo for Enugu East, Dr Dan Shere for Enugu North and Rt. Hon. S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye for Enugu West. The council’s Secretary-General, Dr Eric Oluedo, also attended the meeting.

Speaking with journalists after the deliberations, the council’s spokesperson, Barr. Steve Oruruo, described the gathering as a meeting of the central leadership of a broader political structure comprising experienced politicians, former public office holders, academics, intellectuals and business leaders.

Oruruo said the meeting provided an opportunity for the leadership to consolidate its plans and establish a clear direction for promoting the governor and all APC candidates, from the governorship level to other elective positions.

He highlighted the political experience within the wider campaign structure, naming former Governor Jim Nwobodo, former Senate President Ken Nnamani, former Governor Sullivan Chime and former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi among the prominent figures associated with the mobilisation effort.

According to the spokesperson, the council intends to draw on the collective experience of its members to anticipate challenges, strengthen its grassroots network and develop effective communication strategies ahead of the polls.

Mbah's Performance to Drive Campaign Messaging

Oruruo disclosed that the achievements of the Mbah administration would form the foundation of the campaign's communication strategy, with particular attention to developments in education, healthcare, infrastructure and other key sectors.

He expressed confidence that the administration's policies and ongoing projects would provide the campaign with substantive issues to present to voters as the party seeks a fresh mandate for the governor and electoral victories for its other candidates.

Among the initiatives he identified were the proposed 260 Smart Green Schools, 260 primary healthcare centres, an international hospital intended to reduce Nigerians' reliance on overseas medical treatment, and the launch of Enugu Air.

Oruruo described these projects as important elements of the administration's development agenda, saying they would feature prominently in engagements with communities and voters throughout the state.

He maintained that the campaign would focus on communicating the government's record and explaining how its programmes are expected to benefit residents.

APC Targets Greater Voter Participation

The campaign council also highlighted the need to increase voter participation across Enugu State, citing a gap between the state's registered electorate and the number of accredited voters recorded during the 2023 general elections.

Oruruo said Enugu recorded approximately 382,971 accredited voters in the last election, compared with about 2.112 million registered voters in 2023. He added that the state's registered voter population had since risen to approximately 2.217 million.

He argued that these figures pointed to the need for stronger mobilisation and broader participation in the electoral process.

The spokesperson attributed what he described as growing political interest in the state to the governor's governance record and the distribution of development projects across different communities. He said the council would work to translate that support into votes for APC candidates in 2027.

The representation of Enugu East, Enugu North and Enugu West in the strategic committee, he added, would help the council account for the distinct political realities of each senatorial district while ensuring that its mobilisation efforts extend to the grassroots.

Campaign Office Set to Open as Preparations Intensify

As part of its next steps, the council announced plans to open its campaign office shortly, after which the various directorates are expected to begin more intensive operational activities.

These engagements will focus on coordinating campaign responsibilities, strengthening mobilisation networks and communicating the administration's achievements to residents across the state.

Oruruo said the council intends to take its message into communities throughout Enugu, ensuring that its campaign agenda and the governor's performance record receive widespread attention ahead of the elections.

He expressed confidence that sustained engagement with voters would help establish the campaign's message across the state, describing the administration's achievements as the central theme around which its outreach would be organised.

The strategic committee meeting marks an early step in the APC Campaign Council's preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the leadership now focused on building a coordinated campaign structure, leveraging the experience of its political stakeholders and mobilising support for Governor Mbah and other party candidates.

The council said its immediate priorities would be to strengthen its organisational framework, activate its directorates and extend its engagement with voters across all three senatorial districts.

Ashluxe Unveils Summer Capsule in the UK: A Bold New Chapter in Global Streetwear

We’re thrilled to announce that Ashluxe, the iconic luxury streetwear brand born in Lagos, has officially launched in the United Kingdom — introducing the Summer Capsule, a striking celebration of Afro-Brazilian heritage and modern African fashion.

Founded in 2019 by visionary designer and cultural innovator Yinka Ash, Ashluxe has become a defining voice in African fashion. Fusing bold aesthetics with global sensibilities, we've reimagined streetwear through the lens of luxury, identity, and culture. This latest collection marks a powerful step forward in our mission to connect communities through style — one city, one story at a time.

Launching just after our 6th anniversary, this UK debut is more than an expansion — it’s a turning point. We’re bringing Ashluxe’s unapologetic energy to London’s creative heart, reaffirming our position as a global force in fashion and culture.

We’re not just arriving — we’re reshaping what luxury streetwear means on the world stage.

🛍️ Explore the Summer Capsule
ash-luxe.com/en-gb/collections/the-summer-capsule

Afrobeats sensation David Adeleke, famously known as Davido, made a grand gesture at his wedding by gifting his wife, Chioma Rowland, a brand new car on Tuesday. 

A video from the event captures the heartwarming moment when Davido presented the car to Chioma. Overwhelmed with joy, Chioma eagerly rushed into the car as soon as it was unveiled. This isn't the first time Davido has shown his love through such a generous gift; he also gifted Chioma a car back in 2019.

Davido recently surprised many by announcing that he and Chioma would be tying the knot. Their wedding was a star-studded affair, attracting dignitaries such as Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Alex Otti (Abia), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Ooni of Ife, HRH Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

The event also saw the presence of numerous celebrities, adding to the glamour of the occasion.

You can watch the video of the car presentation here

Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has criticized the Federal Government's plan to acquire new jets for President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima. According to a report, the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has asked the government to purchase these new aircraft.

Obi, citing the country's current economic hardships, said this move demonstrates the government's "extreme insensitivity to citizens' struggles." In a series of social media posts, the former Anambra governor noted that the decision is disconnected from the pressing issues of rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness plaguing the nation. He described the decision as unacceptable, arguing that the situation demands a more compassionate use of resources, with a focus on improving citizens' welfare.

Obi pointed out that the average age of Nigeria's presidential jets is 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford basic necessities. However, he said that now, as the country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, citizens are in even greater need. Obi argued that instead of adding to the government's luxuries, the focus should be on alleviating the suffering of the people and finding solutions to their problems.

The former governor criticized the government's priorities, stating that they are at odds with the needs of society, which is why the country is headed in the wrong direction. He cited examples, such as the government spending $15 million on the Vice President's residence, while the United States, with a much larger economy and higher per capita income, houses its Vice President in a house built over 100 years ago, valued at around $7.5 million. Obi called for an end to this "impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness" and urged the government to prioritize education, healthcare, and lifting citizens out of poverty.