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(COMPLETE LIST) U-17 Women World Cup: Nigeria face Italy as knockout stage begins

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(COMPLETE LIST) U-17 Women World Cup: Nigeria face Italy as knockout stage begins

The knockout phase of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is set to kick off in Morocco, with Nigeria’s Flamingos drawn against Italy in one of the standout Round of 16 fixtures.

The match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at the Stade Olympique de Rabat, with kickoff at 8:00 p.m. Nigeria.

Their qualification follows an emphatic 4–0 victory over Samoa in Rabat on Saturday.

The Flamingos will now aim to build on their impressive group-stage campaign as they continue their push for a historic first world title.

Host nation Morocco will also be in action the same evening, taking on South Korea at the Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2 in Sale, where home fans are expected to create a charged atmosphere in support of the Atlas Lionesses.

Earlier on Tuesday, Brazil will battle China PR, while the United States square off against the Netherlands, both matches slated for 4:30 p.m. in Sale.

The game continues on Wednesday, October 29, with Mexico facing Paraguay at 4:30 p.m., while defending champions Spain meet France in a mouthwatering all-European clash at the same time and venue.

Later that night, Canada will take on Zambia, and Japan, one of the tournament’s top contenders, will lock horns withColombia to round off the Round of 16 fixtures.

All matches will be staged across venues in Rabat and Sale, with global coverage available via major sports networks and FIFA’s digital platforms.

As the competition enters its decisive stage, only four wins now separate the remaining 16 teams from lifting the prestigious U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.

Eight winning teams in the round of 16 will move to the quarter-final stage starting Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Full Round of 16 Fixtures

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Brazil U17 vs China PR U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 3, Sale)

United States U17 vs Netherlands U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Italy U17 vs Nigeria U17 – 8:00 PM (Stade Olympique de Rabat, Rabat)

South Korea U17 vs Morocco U17 – 8:00 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2, Sale)

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Mexico U17 vs Paraguay U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 3, Sale)

Spain U17 vs France U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Canada U17 vs Zambia U17 – 8:00 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Japan U17 vs Colombia U17 – 8:00 PM (Venue TBC)

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Breaking: Dangote begins refinery expansion to 1.4mbpd

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Breaking: Dangote begins refinery expansion to 1.4mbpd

The Dangote Refinery has announced the expansion of the facility from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million bpd.

The President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, made the announcement at a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday.

Flanked by his friend, the Chairman of First Bank, Mr Femi Otedola, Dangote said this would make the refinery the largest in the world.

According to him, the construction work for the expansion is expected to begin without further delay.

“We are expanding the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.

“Upon completion, this will make it the largest refinery in the world, surpassing the Jamnagar Refinery in India,” he said.

He added that 65,000 workers would be needed for the construction exercise, and 85 per cent would be Nigerians.

Dangote added that the refinery would also ramp up its power generation from 500MW to 1,000 MW.

He also stated that the refinery would produce Euro 6 standard, up from the current Euro 5 spec.

Dangote noted that the refinery would be listed on the stock exchange in 2026, giving Nigerians the opportunity to beshareholders.

The billionaire businessman appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support.

“The expansion is expected to be completed in three years”, he said.

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Hisbah cancels court-ordered TikTok celebrities’ wedding in Kano

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Hisbah cancels court-ordered TikTok celebrities’ wedding in Kano

Sharia-enforcing police in Nigeria’s northern city of Kano have cancelled a wedding of two TikTok celebrities that was ordered by a court after a viral kissing video, an official told AFP Sunday.

A court had ordered the Islamic Sharia police to have the two TikTok celebrities marry for posting the video, which it deemed “indecent”.

Kano is one of a dozen predominantly Muslim states in Nigeria where Sharia law operates alongside common law.

Videos of Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda had circulated on TikTok, showing them cuddling and kissing, drawing outrage among Kano residents.

On Monday, a magistrate court judge instructed the Kano Sharia police, called Hisbah, to within 60 days solemnise the marriage between two for posting videos showing them kissing, an act deemed indecent in Kano’s conservative Muslim society.

However, Mai Wushirya told Hisbah officials making preparations for the wedding that he was not interested in marrying Yar Guda despite having told the judge they were “in love”, Abba Sufi, Hisbah’s Director-General, told AFP.

“Mai Wushirya told us that he lied to the court that he and Yar Guda were in love to evade prosecution.

“With this development, we have cancelled the wedding and have resolved to refer the matter to the judge who gave the order for appropriate action,” Sufi said.

Mai Wushiryar’s parents had on Monday gave Hisbah their “explicit consent” for the wedding while the Sharia police were making efforts to contact Yar Guda’s family.

The Kano State Government had agreed to purchase a house for the prospective couple to meet the bride’s condition.

The court order drew mixed reactions among Nigerians.

The Nigerian Bar Association, the country’s lawyers’ union, condemned the court order as “an affront to the fundamental rights of the individuals concerned”.

“No court has the power to compel any person to marry another person or two persons to mandatorily marry,” Mazi Afam Osigwe, head of the NBA, said in a statement.

Kano is home to a burgeoning film industry dubbed Kannywood, the second largest in the world next to Bollywood in volume, with more than 200 films produced each month in the Hausa language spoken in the region and across West Africa.

The increasing use of social media by Kannywood for skits and songs made the board of censors extend its authority to social media, arresting and jailing several TikTokers for videos considered obscene or indecent.

AFP

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7 companies owned by Nigerian gambling magnate & Billionaire, Kessington Adebutu

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7 companies owned by Nigerian gambling magnate & Billionaire, Kessington Adebutu

Nigerian businessman Kessington Adebutu, who ranks as one of the country’s wealthiest businessmen, has established his footprint throughout numerous sectors of the economy. Renowned for his investments and successful firms, Adebutu has influenced countless enterprises in the country.

Premier Lotto Limited, popularly known as “Baba Ijebu,” is at the vanguard of his entrepreneurial expertise. Under Adebutu’s strategic leadership, it has grown into a lottery and gaming platform with a network of more than 200 principal agents and 16,000 retail gaming representatives.

Adebutu’s leadership skills and management strategies have not only brought about changes in the lottery and gaming industries but have also positioned Premier Lotto as an influential brand.

The 88-year-old Nigerian gambling magnate also owns a majority 69.9-percent stake in Arbico Plc, a major player in Nigeria’s construction industry. However, his shares in WEMA Bank exemplify astute investments within the financial services sector.

His rise from salesman to the visionary leadership of Premier Lotto reflects his commitment to building businesses that last. In recent years, his philanthropic efforts have helped to economically empower many others, strengthening the national economy as a whole.

In Adebutu’s ongoing legacy, we see seven highly valued firms that reflect the imprint of his entrepreneurial prowess.

  1. Premier Lotto (Baba Ijebu)

Premier Lotto, known as “Baba Ijebu,” is a leading lottery business  founded by Kessington Adebutu. It has been around since 2001 and is a national provider of lottery services and sports betting. Premier Lotto has become well-knownthroughout western Nigeria, where it is distributed by 200 primary agents and 16,000 retail gaming representatives. This has had a significant effect on the gaming industry and on youth unemployment.

  1. Wema Bank

Adebutu owns 28.15 percent of Wema Bank Plc, a financial behemoth best known for ALAT, Africa’s first totally digital bank. His investment is held through Neemtree Limited, a strategic vehicle established in 2013 to buy stakes in specific firms. Adebutu’s investment in Wema Bank, a famous lender with decades of financial experience, demonstrates his ongoing impact in Nigeria’s financial environment.

  1. Neemtree Investments

Kessington Adebutu is the architect of Neemtree Investments, a conglomerate that includes gaming, manufacturing, media, energy, and real estate. Adebutu’s key investments highlight his pivotal role in developing Nigeria’s economy, including a remarkable 28.09 percent stake in Wema Bank.

  1. Arbico Plc

Arbico Plc, founded in 1958 and listed on the Nigerian Exchange since 1978, is a major player in Nigeria’s construction industry, operating across multiple geopolitical zones. Adebutu is the Chairman of Arbico Plc and owns 69.9% of this full-service building and civil engineering contracting company. 

  1. Wessex Petroleum

Kessington Adebutu launched Wessex Petroleum in a strategic move into the oil and gas sector, adding to Nigeria’s energy landscape and playing a role in the country’s oil business. His involvement in the oil and gas industry, notably through Wessex Petroleum, demonstrates his diverse investment strategy.

  1. Pentagon Real Estate

Adebutu’s real estate assets are managed through Pentagon Real Estate, a property development enterprise. This exemplifies Kessington Adebutu’s vision for infrastructure and urban development in Nigeria, which will help the country grow and progress.

  1. Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF)

Aside from business, Adebutu’s charity arm, the Kessington Adebukola Adebutu Foundation, is a symbol of empowerment. The foundation symbolizes Adebutu’s commitment to elevating the less fortunate and contributing to the country’s general development, with a concentration on education, healthcare, and cultural promotion.

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How Nigerian Billionaire Businessman, Adebutu Kessington Brokered Peace Between Ooni, Alaafin

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How Nigerian Billionaire Businessman, Adebutu Kessington Brokered Peace Between Ooni, Alaafin

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, have officially ended years of perceived rivalry between their two ancient thrones.

The peace meeting, held on Friday at the Eko Hotel Signature Building in Lagos, was convened by the Odole Oodua and prominent philanthropist, Sir Kessington Adebutu, as part of activities marking his 90th birthday celebration.

According to a statement issued by the palace of the Ooni of Ife, both monarchs reaffirmed their joint commitment to peace, unity, and the advancement of Yorubaland.

“They announced the creation of a Joint Council of Yoruba Unity, a body that will focus on peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yorubaland,” the statement read.

In a communique jointly signed after the meeting, the two monarchs emphasised the need for continued collaboration and dialogue between traditional institutions in the region.

“Today marks a defining moment in our shared history. We are committed to promoting harmony among Yoruba sons and daughters and to upholding the sacred values of mutual respect and brotherhood bequeathed to us by our forebears,” the communiqué stated.

The session, attended by eminent Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, and cultural custodians, focused on strengthening inter-kingdom cooperation and encouraging other monarchs to emulate the spirit of unity demonstrated by the Ooni and Alaafin.

In their closing prayers, the two revered rulers jointly sought divine guidance, peace, and prosperity for Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent at large. The event ended with an exchange of goodwill and royal blessings between the thrones of Ile-Ife and Oyo.

Speaking after the meeting, the billionaire businessman Sir Adebutu expressed delight at the reconciliation, describing it as a symbolic step toward enduring peace and progress in Yoruba land.

“I am deeply fulfilled to witness this moment of unity between our two foremost monarchs. This milestone will go a long way in fostering harmony, development, and pride among the Yoruba people,” Adebutu said.

The development is being hailed across the South-West as a new chapter in Yoruba history, one that prioritises cooperation over rivalry, and unity over division.

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Over 50 Generals to go as Tinubu sacks Service Chiefs, triggers retirements within the military hierarchy

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Over 50 Generals to go as Tinubu sacks Service Chiefs, triggers retirements within the military hierarchy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday sacked the service chiefs and appointed their replacements.
The statement announcing their removal, signed by the special adviser to the president on media and public communication, Sunday Dare, said the action was taken in furtherance of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the national security architecture.

The President appointed former Army Chief, General Olufemi Oluyede, as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.
The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke becomes Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retains his position.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and the other service chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership.
The President urged the newly appointed service chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them and to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement said.
Those sacked with General Musa are the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.
Friday’s changes mark the second major reshuffle of the military high command since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

Yesterday’s change comes amid growing public outcry as the country continues to battle terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent crime across several regions.

General Musa and those asked to leave with him had been in office since June 2023 and oversaw several major operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits in the North-East and North-West.
Security analysts are unanimous that their tenure recorded significant gains.
Despite that, continued attacks and killings in different parts of the country had fuelled calls for a change in strategy and leadership.
The changes also came a few days after widespread rumours of an attempted coup to unseat President Tinubu surfaced in the media.

The development is also expected to trigger retirements within the military hierarchy, as some senior generals who are contemporaries of the outgoing service chiefs may have to proceed on retirement in line with military tradition.

The new service chiefs, who are members of Course 40 of the Nigerian Defence Academy, will replace their predecessors who are members of Course 39, including the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede.
By this appointment, generals from Course 39 and some from Course 40 across the services will have to retire from their positions, as they are not expected to salute their juniors who have now been elevated above them.
LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that members of Course 39 are still in active service, occupying strategic positions such as Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at the Service Headquarters and Commanders of tri-service institutes.
Military sources said more than 50 such generals will have to voluntarily exit the service to allow the new service chiefs to exercise control over the affairs of the military.
Profiles Of The New Service Chiefs
Gen. Olufemi Oluyede: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede is a battle-tested officer from the Infantry Corps.
He has served in various command and staff positions, including as a former Theatre Commander in the North-East.
Gen. Oluyede served as Chief of Army Staff from 30 September 2024 before being elevated to the role of CDS yesterday.
Born in Ikere, Ekiti State, in 1968, Oluyede began his military career in 1987 as a cadet in the Nigerian Defence Academy. He was officially commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 after completing the Nigerian Army’s training regimen.

A member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, alongside the late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, his career has spanned numerous command and staff roles across Nigeria and in various international deployments.

Promoted to the rank of Major-General in 2020, the has held commands including Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion; Company Commander, 177 Guards Battalion; Staff Officer, Guards Brigade; Commandant, Amphibious Training School; and Commander, 27 Task Force Brigade, North-East, leading operations under Operation HADIN KAI. He succeeds Gen. Christopher Musa.

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Biography of Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff: Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke (NAF/2182)

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Biography of Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff: Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke (NAF/2182)

The Chief of Air Staff: Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke (NAF/2182)

Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke was appointed the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, October 24, 2025, as part of a strategic overhaul of the country’s military leadership. His elevation to the Nigerian Air Force’s top post comes after an exemplary career marked by extensive operational flying hours, strategic command experience, and deep intellectual investment in air power. Formerly the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, his appointment signals a focus on enhancing the Air Force’s logistics, surveillance, and operational efficiency across all security theatres.

Background and Education

Air Vice Marshal Aneke was born on February 20, 1972, in Makurdi, Benue State. He hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, South-Eastern Nigeria, and comes from a military background, as his father was a retired Air Warrant Officer. His early education was conducted at Army Children School New Cantonment ‘A’ NDA Kaduna (1976–1982) and Government College Kaduna (1982–1987).

His military journey began on September 10, 1988, when he enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 40th Regular Combatant Course. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer into the Nigerian Air Force on September 10, 1993.

A highly educated officer, Air Vice Marshal Aneke holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (BSc) in Physics. He has amassed a formidable collection of postgraduate qualifications, including:

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar.
  • Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.
  • Master’s in Political Economy and Developmental Studies from the University of Abuja.
  • Master’s in Strategic Studies from the US Air War College at the United States Air Force Air University, Montgomery, Alabama.
  • He also holds a professional Certificate in Aviation Safety Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, and is currently pursuing a PhD.

Military Training and Aviation Experience

As an accomplished pilot, Air Vice Marshal Aneke has completed specialized training both locally and internationally, distinguishing himself as a technical and operational expert:

  • Flying Training: His professional training includes Ab-initio and Basic Flying Training from 301 Flying Training School (now 401 FTS), alongside a professional certificate in Aeromechanical Engineering.
  • Command and Staff Courses: He is a graduate of both the Junior and Senior Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji.
  • Pilot Log: He is type-rated on a variety of aircraft, including the Dornier 228, Falcon 900, Gulfstream V, Gulf Stream 550, and the Hawker 4000. He holds an Advanced Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) with an impressive total of 4,359 flying hours.

Key Appointments and Operational Command

Air Vice Marshal Aneke has held a diverse and high-impact range of command and staff appointments across the Nigerian Air Force:

  • Frontline Operations: He served in various capacities during UN Peace Keeping Mission in Congo (MONUC), including as an Air Operations Officer and Chief of Air Operations in the Kindu Region (2005–2006). Earlier, he participated in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations during Operation Restore Hope in the Niger Delta Region (2004–2005).
  • Executive Command: He held significant roles at the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), including Group Operations Officer and later Commander 307 Executive Air Lift Group, where he oversaw the utilization of the Beechcraft King Air 350, the NAF’s frontline intelligence platform for counter-insurgency.
  • Strategic Staff & Policy: He has served as Director of Safety and Director of Policy at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, and Chief of Staff at Air Training Command, where he coordinated air operations for Operation Thunderstrike in North-Western Nigeria.
  • Academia: He served as the Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Africa’s foremost military university.
  • Previous Role: Prior to his appointment as CAS, he was the Air Officer Commanding, Nigerian Air Force Mobility Command in Yenagoa, where his command added significant value to strategic intelligence and counter-criminality efforts.

Honours and Personal Life

Air Vice Marshal Aneke has earned numerous accolades for his distinguished service, including the Grand Service Star (GSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), General Service Medal (GSM), and Field Command Medal (FCM). He is known within the Armed Forces for his calm disposition, dependability, and professional integrity, which make him highly suited for strategic responsibility.

He is happily married to Mrs. Ngozi Enderline Aneke, and they are blessed with three sons: Chukwuebuka Kelvin, Ifeanyi Chukwu Brian, and Uchechukwu Jason. His personal interests include flying, music, and movies.

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Biography of Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff: Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (NN/1739)

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Biography of Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff: Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (NN/1739)

The Chief of Naval Staff: Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (NN/1739)

Rear Admiral Idi Abbas was appointed the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, October 24, 2025, as part of a major reshuffle of the nation’s military leadership. His selection underscores a renewed focus on maritime security and leveraging his extensive operational experience in tackling piracy and illegal economic activities within Nigeria’s waters. His distinguished career, particularly his successful command in the Central Naval Command, positions him as a seasoned officer with the strategic insight necessary to lead the Nigerian Navy.

Background and Education

Born on September 20, 1969, Rear Admiral Abbas is a native of Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, in the North Western part of Nigeria. His foundational military and academic training began at a young age:

  • Early Education: He attended Gwagwarwa Primary School in Kano and proceeded to the prestigious Air Force Military School, Jos, from 1981 to 1986.
  • Military Training: He gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1987 as a member of the 40th Regular Course.
  • Commissioning: He was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant on September 10, 1993, and as a Mid-shipman on September 18, 1992, into the Nigerian Navy.
  • Academic Qualification: He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Rear Admiral Abbas is a specialist in Above Water Warfare (AWW) and has attended several specialized professional courses, including the Officers’ Long Course in AWW at NNS QUORRA, the Junior and Senior Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, and the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja (Course 23).He also enhanced his international perspective by attending the United Nations Military Observer Course in Tanzania.

Career and Operational Command

Throughout his more than three decades of service, Rear Admiral Abbas has held a broad range of command, staff, and instructional appointments, demonstrating his competence both at sea and in strategic planning roles.

Key Appointments Held:

  • He served as a Watch-Keeping Officer aboard several Nigerian Navy ships, including NNS ARADU, NNS DAMISA, and NNS AYAM.
  • Maritime Operations: He was the Naval Contingent Commander for the Joint Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN, the Maritime Guard Commander (MGC) at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and Commander Task Group for Operation TSARE-TEKU.
  • Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command (FOC CNC): This was a major operational role in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he spearheaded decisive actions against illegal oil theft, piracy, and other maritime crimes in the critical Niger Delta region.
  • Strategic Staff Roles: His high-level staff appointments include Chief of Naval Safety and Standards (CNASS) at Naval Headquarters, Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations (CDCMR) at Defence Headquarters, and, immediately prior to his appointment as CNS, a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Heritage Centre.
  • Promotions: He was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral on September 10, 2020.

Honours and Awards

For his integrity, professionalism, and dedication to duty, Rear Admiral Abbas has received several prestigious honours and awards, including:

  • Forces Service Star (FSS)
  • Meritorious Service Star (MSS)
  • Distinguished Service Star (DSS)
  • Grand Service Star (GSS)
  • Defence General Staff Medal (DGSM)
  • Passed Staff Course (psc)
  • Fellow of the Defence College (fdc)

He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).

Personal Life

Rear Admiral Idi Abbas is described as an officer embedded with the right composure, temperament, and maturity for higher strategic responsibility. He is a devoted Muslim, happily married, and blessed with children. His hobbies include playing hockey and driving.

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EPL: Why Liverpool suffered fourth straight defeat in 3-2 loss to Brentford

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EPL: Why Liverpool suffered fourth straight defeat in 3-2 loss to Brentford

Liverpool slumped to a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat as Brentford bullied the defending champions in a 3-2 win on Saturday.


Goals from Dango Ouattara, Kevin Schade, and Igor Thiago secured victory for the Bees, who climb to 10th in the table.

Liverpool slip to sixth and could be seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal by Sunday as their title defence has collapsed in spectacular style over the past month.

The Reds have lost five of their last six games in all competitions as Arne Slot appears lost for answers in how to develop a cohesive team from a Premier League record spend of nearly £450 million ($600 million) in the transfer window.

One of Slot’s big decisions was taken out of his hands as Alexander Isak missed out due to a groin injury, but Mohamed Salah did return from the side that thrashed Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday to snap a four-game losing streak.

Brentford have long been exponents of the long throw-in tactic that has become popular across the Premier League this season.

Liverpool struggled to deal with the flight of Michael Kayode’s throw-ins all night, and it was the source of the opening goal.

Kristoffer Ajer flicked on the Italian’s wicked delivery, and Ouattara volleyed in.

Liverpool showed flickers of life, and Florian Wirtz should have netted his first goal for the club when the £100 million signing fired wide from inside the area.

– Liverpool’s implosion –

But despite Brentford’s lack of possession, they continued to pose the greater goal threat.

Giorgi Mamardashvili tipped over Mikkel Damsgaard’s dipping strike.
Damsgaard then created Brentford’s second with a brilliant through ball that saw Schade leave Ibrahima Konate trailing before firing low past Mamardashvili. 

Liverpool have now conceded at least twice in six of their nine league games so far this season.

Milos Kerkez’s struggles since a £40 million move from Bournemouth have played a major part in Liverpool’s implosion.

The Hungarian made amends for another shaky display when he turned in Conor Bradley’s cross five minutes into the first half stoppage time.

Brentford were furious as the referee had signalled for only three minutes to be added.

However, the home side benefited when a VAR intervention awarded a penalty for Virgil van Dijk’s kick on Ouattara on the hour mark.

A free-kick had initially been given, but replays showed the Liverpool captain made contact just inside the area.

Thiago sent Mamardashvili the wrong way, and there was no way back for Liverpool after another disjointed and dispirited display from the defending champions.

Salah was denied by Sepp van den Berg’s desire to throw his body in the way of his shot with the chance to pull a goal back immediately.

The Egyptian did eventually end his six-game goal drought at club level in spectacular fashion by controlling Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross and smashing in off the underside of the bar in the 89th minute.

But it was too little, too late to slow Liverpool’s dramatic decline since the disruption of a squad overhaul in the summer and the grief caused by the shock death of Diogo Jota in a car accident in July.

AFP

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Liverpool Coach Arne Slot and Captain Virgil Van Dijk have reacted to the club’s fourth Premier League defeat in a row

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Liverpool Coach Arne Slot and Captain Virgil Van Dijk have reacted to the club’s fourth Premier League defeat in a row

Liverpool Coach Arne Slot and Captain Virgil Van Dijk have reacted to the club’s fourth Premier League defeat in a row, calling on the fans to stand by the team.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on Sunday, Slot was quoted as saying, “The teams have a certain playing style against us, which is a very good strategy to play against us. We have not found an answer yet.

“Also, it’s not an excuse, but playing so many games away didn’t help,” he said.

On his part, Van Dijk said, “Everyone has to look in the mirror, including myself”.

“I am sure we will get out of this. But we won’t do it just by talking about it. We will try to improve. The fans who were celebrating with us last season should stand by us now,” he added.

Liverpool slumped to a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat as Brentford bullied the defending champions in a 3-2 win on Saturday.

Liverpool’s next game is in the EFL Cup fourth round tie against Crystal Palace on Wednesday at Anfield.

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Biography of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff: Major General Waidi Shaibu (N/9895) DSS DSO(LR) FTAM psc fdc (+) CM FCM FCMH MSS MA MNIM

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Biography of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff: Major General Waidi Shaibu (N/9895) DSS DSO(LR) FTAM psc fdc (+) CM FCM FCMH MSS MA MNIM

Major General Waidi Shaibu was appointed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, October 24, 2025, in a significant shake-up of the nation’s military high command. 

His elevation to the highest position in the Nigerian Army followed a distinguished career, most recently marked by his strategic command as the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai. His appointment reflects a commitment to leveraging his extensive operational experience and intellectual depth in prosecuting the nation’s security campaigns.

Early Life and Education

Born on December 18, 1971, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Major General Shaibu began his journey into military service in 1989 as a member of the 41 Regular Course at the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna. He was commissioned on September 17, 1994, as a Second Lieutenant into the Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

The General is a highly credentialed academic, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Nigerian Defence Academy (1993). His post-graduate academic achievements include a Post Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Calabar, and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan.Further strengthening his strategic background, he holds a Master’s Degree in Security and Strategic Studies from the National Defence University, Washington, D.C., USA. He is also an alumnus of the renowned Harvard Kennedy School of Government Programme in Leadership for the 21st Century and is currently pursuing a PhD in Strategic Studies at the University of Ibadan.

Military Courses and Operational Experience

Major General Shaibu has attended an array of military courses both at home and abroad, which shaped his expertise in armoured and counter-terrorism warfare. These include the Young Officer Courses (Armour and Infantry), Junior and Senior Staff Courses in Ghana and Jaji, respectively, the Higher Defence Management Course at the National Defense College, Abuja, and the Counter-Terrorism Fellows Programme at the College of International Security Affairs in Washington, DC, USA.

His operational experience is extensive, featuring frontline command and contributions to major campaigns. He participated in several domestic operations such as Operation HARMONY, Operation BOYONA, Operation ZAMAN LAFIYA, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO, Operation HADIN KAI, and Operation DESERT and LAKE SANITY. His international service includes participation in the African Mission in Sudan and the United Nations Mission in Liberia, as well as Nigeria’s Foreign Training Assistance Mission to Liberia.

Key Appointments

Over his illustrious career, he has held numerous command, instructional, and staff appointments, demonstrating versatility and leadership across various military institutions. Notable positions include:

  • Platoon Commander 245 Recce Battalion.
  • Chief of Staff, 23 Brigade Headquarters, Yola.
  • Commanding Officer 243 Battalion Monguno.
  • Chief Instructor, Nigeria Army Armour School.
  • Director Coordination and Directing Staff, National Defence College, Abuja.
  • Commander 21 Special Armoured Brigade Bama.
  • General Officer Commanding 7 Divisions and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI.
  • Director of Defence Admin DSA.
  • Theatre Commander JTF (NE) OP HADIN KAI.
  • Prior to his elevation as COAS, he was serving as the Director of Armour Research, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.

Honours and Awards

The General has been decorated with numerous honours, including the Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Distinguished Service Order (DSO LR), and the Foreign Training Assistance Medal (FTAM). Significantly, he is a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal for Counter Insurgency Operation in North East, alongside the Field Command Medal (FCM)and Field Command Medal of Honour (FCMH), which attest to his valor and leadership in combat. He is also a proud Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM).

Personal Life

Major General Waidi Shaibu is happily married and the union is blessed with children. He maintains an intellectual and reflective personal life, with hobbies listed as reading, early morning walks, and deep contemplation.

Disclaimer: 

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Biography of Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye, From Obudu in Cross River State

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Biography of Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye, From Obudu in Cross River State

Biography of Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye

Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye (N/9563) is a highly decorated and strategically experienced officer of the Nigerian Army’s Intelligence Corps. He serves as the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), an appointment he first assumed on June 23, 2023, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Background and Education

Major General Undiandeye was born on September 2, 1968, in Bedia, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

His foundational military and academic journey includes:

  • Cadet Training: Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, and subsequently the prestigious Royal Military Academy (Standard Military Course 922), Sandhurst, UK, where he completed his cadet training and was commissioned.
  • Academic Degrees:
    • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History.
    • Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies.
  • Key Military & Strategy Courses:
    • Junior and Senior Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji.
    • National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, which he rounded up with a Master’s Degree from the University of Ibadan.
    • National Defence University (NDU), Washington D.C., USA.
    • Senior Executives National and International Security Programme at the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Administration, USA.
    • International Intelligence Directors Course in Chicksands, UK.

Career Highlights and Command Appointments

Throughout his illustrious career, Major General Undiandeye has held critical command, staff, and instructional positions that cut across operational intelligence, strategic policy, and international security:

National Appointments (Intelligence and Strategic Roles):

  • Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI): Assumed command as the 17th CDI on June 23, 2023.
  • Commandant, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre, Jaji: His last posting before becoming the CDI.
  • Chief of Staff, Headquarters Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps: Coordinated Nigerian Army Operational Intelligence gathering, analysis, and dissemination.
  • Director, Psychological Warfare at Defence Headquarters.
  • Director, Foreign Liaison at the Defence Intelligence Agency.
  • Director, Lessons Learnt at the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation.
  • Deputy Commandant at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre.

International Appointments (Peacekeeping and Diplomacy):

  • Deputy Chief Operations Officer, United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).
  • Deputy Chief of Assessments, United Nations Headquarters, New York.
  • Pioneer Seconded Staff, United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA): Played a vital role in the initial deployment and operations to prevent all-out war between South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan.
  • Member, Troop Contributing Countries Working Group for the development of the second edition of the United Nations Infantry Battalion Manual (UNIBAM) (2020).

Awards, Honours, and Fellowships

Major General Undiandeye’s distinguished service has earned him several national and international honours and fellowships:

  • Military Decorations: Grand Service Star (GSS), Field Command Medal (FCM), Training Support Medal (TSM), and the United Nations Headquarters Medal.
  • Fellowships:
    • Fellow, National Defence College (fdc), Nigeria.
    • Fellow, National Defense University (fndu), Washington D.C., USA.
    • International Counter Terrorism Fellow (ICTF) of the National Defence University’s College of International Security Affairs (CISA).
    • Fellow, Chartered Institute of Administration (FCAI).
    • Fellow, Nigerian Army Resource Centre (FNARC).

Personal Life

Major General Undiandeye is married to Jane Ekor, and their union is blessed with three children. His personal interests include reading, playing golf, photography, and nature watching.

Disclaimer: 

It is the policy of NewsWireNGR not to endorse or oppose any opinion expressed by a User or Content provided by a User, Contributor, or another independent party. Opinion pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of NewsWireNGR.

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