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World Cup Lifeline on Hold: FIFA Delay Over DR Congo Eligibility Puts Super Eagles in Limbo

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World Cup Lifeline on Hold: FIFA Delay Over DR Congo Eligibility Puts Super Eagles in Limbo

Nigeria’s football community is growing increasingly anxious as FIFA continues to delay a decision on the eligibility of players fielded by DR Congo during last November’s Africa 2026 World Cup play-off.

The unresolved case could determine whether the Nigeria national football team receive an unexpected lifeline back into contention for the global tournament.

The Nigeria Football Federation formally raised the issue in December, alleging that some Congolese players—including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe—may be ineligible under Congolese law, which reportedly prohibits dual citizenship.

DR Congo’s Leopards defeated Nigeria on penalties to secure passage to an intercontinental play-off against either Jamaica or New Caledonia. However, Nigerian officials argue that FIFA was misled into approving players who allegedly hold European passports alongside Congolese nationality.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi insisted that the matter hinges on domestic citizenship laws, claiming FIFA may have been “deceived” in clearing the players.

The Congolese Football Federation has dismissed the protest as an attempt to “win via the back door.”

FIFA has confirmed it is reviewing the complaint but has provided no timeline for a verdict. The prolonged silence has fueled uncertainty across the continent, particularly as the intercontinental play-off approaches.

Nigeria, bronze medallists at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, risk missing a second consecutive World Cup. DR Congo, meanwhile, are seeking a return to the global stage for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire.

Observers warn that a late administrative decision could overturn on-field results and disrupt tournament logistics.

The delay has ignited intense debate among supporters. While some fans have urged calm and focus on upcoming competitions, others fear Nigeria’s hopes are fading.

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi admitted the uncertainty is unsettling.

“We are still waiting; hopefully, we can go to the World Cup,” he said recently.

Beyond Nigeria and DR Congo, the situation is also being closely monitored by Jamaica’s football authorities, who are concerned that a last-minute ruling could disrupt preparations for the March play-off.

The controversy has revived broader debates about eligibility rules in international football, particularly when domestic citizenship laws intersect with FIFA regulations. Past precedents show that disciplinary rulings can take months, often emerging long after matches have been played.

For Nigeria—boasting global stars such as Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen—the decision could either reopen the door to the 2026 World Cup or confirm elimination.

As the countdown to the intercontinental play-off continues, the Super Eagles’ fate remains suspended between hope and heartbreak, with FIFA’s final word set to determine whether Nigeria’s campaign ends on the pitch—or in the courtroom.

Senate Moves to Legalise State Police by 2026 as Tinubu Pushes Urgent Constitutional Reform

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Senate Moves to Legalise State Police by 2026 as Tinubu Pushes Urgent Constitutional Reform

The Senate has pledged to complete the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for the establishment of state police before the end of 2026, signaling a major shift in Nigeria’s security architecture.

The commitment follows a formal request by President Bola Tinubu urging the National Assembly to initiate constitutional changes that would decentralise policing as part of broader efforts to combat insecurity nationwide.

Senate to Resume Constitutional Review
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu disclosed that the upper chamber would immediately resume work on the constitutional review process once plenary reconvenes next week.

According to him, groundwork on the proposal had already been laid before legislative attention shifted to electoral reforms and the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

“We are going to commence the process of reviewing the constitution for the establishment of state police immediately we resume next week,” Adaramodu said, assuring Nigerians that the amendment would be concluded before electioneering begins ahead of the next general elections.

He added that extensive consultations had already been conducted across geopolitical zones, with reports and stakeholder submissions compiled by the constitutional review committee.

President Tinubu first pressed the issue during an interfaith breaking of fast at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, urging lawmakers to “start thinking how best to amend the constitution to incorporate the state police for us to secure our country.”

Addressing members of the House of Representatives days later, the President warned that the creation of state police must not be “a straight free fall for everybody,” stressing the need for checks and balances to prevent abuse by state governors.

Security stakeholders have largely welcomed the proposal but warned of potential pitfalls.

APC chieftain Ayodele Arise, speaking on Arise TV, suggested that the amendment process could begin with a review of Section 214 of the Constitution to move policing from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List. This would allow both federal and state governments to operate separate police formations.

“As far as the security situation in the country is concerned, there is definitely a shortage of security personnel,” Ngelzarma noted, arguing that decentralised policing could improve response to local crimes.

However, he cautioned that recruitment into state police formations must reflect ethnic and religious diversity to prevent domination by any group.

Similarly, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, described the reform as necessary but urged lawmakers to insert clear legal safeguards limiting governors’ powers over state police.

“The National Assembly must make provisions in the bill to limit the powers of governors to curb abuse of state police,” Ajayi said, recommending that citizens be granted the right to challenge misuse in court.

With the electoral amendment bill already signed into law and budget deliberations underway, Adaramodu insisted that the Senate would fast-track the constitutional amendment process.

“Before electioneering starts, we would have done and dusted it, then pass it on to Mr President for his assent,” he assured.

If successful, the amendment would mark one of the most consequential security reforms since the return to democracy, potentially reshaping Nigeria’s policing system and redefining federal-state power dynamics in the fight against crime.

Davies Brothers Make History as My Father’s Shadow Wins Big at 2026 BAFTA Awards

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Davies Brothers Make History as My Father’s Shadow Wins Big at 2026 BAFTA Awards

British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. and his brother Wale Davies have clinched the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer award at the 2026 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards for their film My Father’s Shadow.

The landmark win was announced at the 79th BAFTA ceremony held on February 22, 2026, at London’s Royal Festival Hall. The annual event drew leading filmmakers and actors from across the globe, with the Davies brothers emerging among the night’s most celebrated winners.

My Father’s Shadow, written and directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and co-written and produced by Wale Davies, explores the emotional journey of a father and his two sons against the backdrop of Nigeria’s tense 1993 election crisis. Set in Lagos, the film intertwines intimate family dynamics with the charged political climate of the era, earning praise for its layered storytelling and cultural depth.

Prior to its BAFTA triumph, the film had already made history at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was selected for the prestigious Un Certain Regard section becoming the first Nigerian production to achieve the distinction. The Cannes recognition significantly boosted the film’s international profile ahead of awards season.

In his acceptance speech, Akinola Davies Jr. dedicated the award to underrepresented voices, particularly immigrant families and individuals affected by conflict and displacement. Industry analysts say the win signals growing global appetite for African narratives and storytellers.

The ceremony also honoured other major winners. One Battle After Another secured top prizes including Best Film and Best Director, while British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku took home Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Sinners.

For many observers, the Davies brothers’ victory represents a defining moment for Nigerian storytelling on the world stage — reinforcing the country’s expanding footprint in global cinema and paving the way for more African filmmakers to command international acclaim.

Tragedy in Abuja: NSCDC Female Officer Killed During ‘Show of Force’ Drill

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Tragedy in Abuja: NSCDC Female Officer Killed During ‘Show of Force’ Drill

A female officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has died following a tragic accident during a display exercise in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The fatal incident reportedly occurred during a “show of force” operation carried out by the Corps’ Female Strike Force, also known as the Female Squad. A 58-second video of the event surfaced on social media on Saturday, quickly drawing widespread attention.

In the footage, a black operational van with red wheels bearing the inscription “Female Squad” is seen moving in formation, with another van labeled “Female Strike Force FCT Command” trailing behind.

During a maneuver, the lead vehicle made a turn and accidentally ran over one of the female officers, trapping her underneath.

Moments after the incident, fellow NSCDC personnel and bystanders rushed to the scene. The video shows several officers working together to lift the van in a desperate attempt to free the injured officer, who was subsequently moved into a waiting ambulance.

Although the Corps has yet to release an official statement, NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale confirmed the officer’s death in a telephone conversation on Saturday afternoon, according to reports.

As of the time of filing this report, the identity of the deceased officer has not been disclosed.

Babawale reportedly stated that a comprehensive statement would be issued to clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

The development has sparked conversations about operational safety protocols during public security drills, with many awaiting further details from the Corps.

Tax Reform Without Fear: Why Olaoluwa Olaniyi Believes Clarity Is Nigeria’s Missing Link

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Tax Reform Without Fear: Why Olaoluwa Olaniyi Believes Clarity Is Nigeria’s Missing Link

For Olaoluwa Olaniyi, the debate around Nigeria’s newly introduced tax law cannot be reduced to resistance or unwillingness to pay. As a technology entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience across Nigeria and the United States, his perspective is shaped by years of building and managing complex compliance driven systems in both private and public sectors.

Olaniyi, Founder and CEO of ComplyDesk, is building a technology enabled platform that simplifies tax filing and regulatory compliance for businesses in Nigeria and the diaspora. His exposure to advanced tax and regulatory frameworks in the U.S., where he worked on data driven product initiatives at global organizations such as AstraZeneca and ConcertAI, has given him a clear lens through which to assess Nigeria’s current reforms.

He considers the new tax law a step in the right direction. Sustainable national development, he argues, depends on steady government revenue. Roads, healthcare, education, and economic stability cannot exist without it. However, the widespread panic is not driven by tax aversion but by poor understanding.

From his engagements with FMCG distributor networks and small business owners, confusion dominates the conversation. Many do not know what applies to them, how much they owe, or where to pay. When tax notices arrive without guidance, fear replaces cooperation. For Olaniyi, compliance begins with clarity, not coercion.

U.S. Orders Americans to Shelter-in-Place Across Middle East After Strikes on Iran

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U.S. Orders Americans to Shelter-in-Place Across Middle East After Strikes on Iran

The United States Department of State has directed all American personnel and citizens in several Middle Eastern countries to shelter in place following joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iranian targets that reportedly caused explosions and plumes of smoke in Tehran on Saturday.

The advisory affects Americans in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, and Israel, among other locations, with U.S. embassies urging citizens to remain indoors until further notice.

In a statement posted on X, the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem warned that Israel had closed its airspace to civilian flights, with all commercial departures from Ben Gurion Airport cancelled.

“The security situation is volatile,” the embassy stated, cautioning that mortars, rockets, missile fire, and drone intrusions can occur without warning. Americans were urged to seek the nearest bomb shelter, monitor local media, avoid demonstrations, and comply with instructions from local authorities.

In the UAE, the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate in Dubai described the crisis as “regional hostilities,” instructing Americans to stock essential supplies, maintain communication with family members, and avoid large gatherings. Citizens were also advised to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updates.

The U.S. Embassy Doha confirmed it had implemented a shelter-in-place directive for all personnel, recommending that private citizens follow suit and remain vigilant. Similar advisories were issued by the U.S. Embassy Manama and the U.S. Embassy Amman, with emergency contact lines provided for immediate assistance.

The advisories followed a major military operation against Iranian targets, which U.S. President Donald Trump described as necessary to neutralise “imminent threats” linked to Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes.

Speaking in a video message, Trump declared: “The United States’ military began major combat operations in Iran. We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground.”

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz characterised the strikes as a “preventive action.”

Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian was “safe and sound,” while the Fars News Agency confirmed multiple missile impacts in Tehran’s Keshvardoost and Pasteur districts.

The State Department stressed that the security environment across the region remains fluid and unpredictable. Americans were advised to regularly monitor official updates, identify nearby shelters, and prepare contingency plans as developments unfold.

“Safety and vigilance are paramount,” the agency stated, urging citizens to take immediate precautions until further notice.

SAN Mike Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni Granted Bail Over London Property Fraud Case

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SAN Mike Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni Granted Bail Over London Property Fraud Case

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama yesterday arraigned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome and Ponfa Useni on a 12-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation over alleged forgery, impersonation, and fraudulent claims to a London property.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, which allege that they forged documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, while claiming ownership of a property at No. 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2, reportedly acquired unlawfully by the late General Jeremiah Useni.

During the proceedings, prosecuting lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) requested an accelerated hearing, noting the case’s significance for all parties and the legal profession. Both defendants filed bail applications, supported by their lawyers, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) for Ozekhome and F. R. Onoja (SAN) for Useni.

Justice Chizoba Oji granted bail for each defendant at N10 million with one surety, requiring the surety to provide proof of property ownership within the FCT. The defendants were also ordered to deposit their international passports with the court. The judge set an accelerated trial schedule for March 13, April 15, and April 16.

The charges allege that:
• Ozekhome and Useni forged a Nigerian international passport and a power of attorney under the fictitious name Tali Shani to assert ownership of the London property.
• Useni allegedly impersonated Tali Shani to facilitate the execution of an irrevocable power of attorney with Ozekhome.
• Ozekhome is accused of abetting Useni in the impersonation and claiming control of the property, suspected to have been unlawfully obtained by the late General Useni.
• Both are charged with offences contrary to sections 85, 179, 321, 322, 319A of the Penal Code Act 2006.

Justice Oji emphasized that the case would proceed on an accelerated timeline to ensure prompt resolution, underlining the court’s commitment to handling high-profile property fraud cases efficiently.

This case adds to ongoing scrutiny of alleged property and document-related frauds involving high-profile individuals in Nigeria’s legal and political spheres.

SAN Mike Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni Granted Bail Over London Property Fraud Case

Staff Reporter
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SAN Mike Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni Granted Bail Over London Property Fraud Case

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama yesterday arraigned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome and Ponfa Useni on a 12-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation over alleged forgery, impersonation, and fraudulent claims to a London property.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, which allege that they forged documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, while claiming ownership of a property at No. 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2, reportedly acquired unlawfully by the late General Jeremiah Useni.

During the proceedings, prosecuting lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) requested an accelerated hearing, noting the case’s significance for all parties and the legal profession. Both defendants filed bail applications, supported by their lawyers, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) for Ozekhome and F. R. Onoja (SAN) for Useni.

Justice Chizoba Oji granted bail for each defendant at N10 million with one surety, requiring the surety to provide proof of property ownership within the FCT. The defendants were also ordered to deposit their international passports with the court. The judge set an accelerated trial schedule for March 13, April 15, and April 16.

The charges allege that:
• Ozekhome and Useni forged a Nigerian international passport and a power of attorney under the fictitious name Tali Shani to assert ownership of the London property.
• Useni allegedly impersonated Tali Shani to facilitate the execution of an irrevocable power of attorney with Ozekhome.
• Ozekhome is accused of abetting Useni in the impersonation and claiming control of the property, suspected to have been unlawfully obtained by the late General Useni.
• Both are charged with offences contrary to sections 85, 179, 321, 322, 319A of the Penal Code Act 2006.

Justice Oji emphasized that the case would proceed on an accelerated timeline to ensure prompt resolution, underlining the court’s commitment to handling high-profile property fraud cases efficiently.

This case adds to ongoing scrutiny of alleged property and document-related frauds involving high-profile individuals in Nigeria’s legal and political spheres.

Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, Wife and Son Remanded Over N8.7bn Money Laundering and Terrorism Charges

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Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, Wife and Son Remanded Over N8.7bn Money Laundering and Terrorism Charges

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, his wife Asabe Bashir, and son Abdulaziz Malami be remanded in prison custody pending the determination of their bail applications.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik directed that Malami and Abdulaziz be held at Kuje Prison, Abuja, while Asabe Bashir be remanded at Suleja Prison, Niger State, which accommodates female inmates.

The remand followed their re-arraignment on 16-count money laundering charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alleging that Malami laundered N8.7 billion through real estate transactions in Abuja and other states while serving as Minister of Justice. Corrections were made during the hearing to adjust two counts from billions to millions.

Malami and his son were also arraigned on five-count terrorism and illegal firearms charges filed by the Department of State Services, which allege that they refused to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers and unlawfully possessed a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm along with live and expended ammunition in their Kebbi residence.

In the DSS case, Malami and Abdulaziz were granted bail of N100 million each with two sureties, with one surety required to own a property in Maitama or Asokoro, deposit the property title with the Deputy Chief Registrar, submit an affidavit of means, and provide recent passport photographs. The defendants were also ordered to submit their international passports. The trial is set to begin on March 4, while bail applications for the EFCC case will be heard on March 6.

The charges accuse Malami and his family of abetting terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, violating the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Firearms Act 2004.

This high-profile development underscores Nigeria’s intensified efforts to tackle financial crimes, terrorism financing, and illegal possession of firearms, involving one of the country’s most prominent former public officials.

Adamu Atiku, Maksha Stay Loyal as Governor Fintiri Dumps PDP for APC

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Adamu Atiku, Maksha Stay Loyal as Governor Fintiri Dumps PDP for APC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s sons, Adamu Atiku and Maksha Atiku, have refused to follow Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to the All Progressives Congress (APC), maintaining their loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Fintiri on Friday officially defected to the APC, bringing along 22 of his 24 commissioners in a statewide broadcast. However, Adamu, the Commissioner for Works and Energy Development, and Maksha, Commissioner for Livestock, were notably absent from the announcement, and their names were missing from the list of defectors.

A source within the state government, speaking anonymously, said the Atiku brothers chose to remain in the PDP due to their father’s political influence.

“If you recall, one of Atiku’s sons, Abba, joined the APC last month. So, Adamu cannot now also join the APC, abandoning their father in the African Democratic Congress. Maksha is also a strong supporter of the former Vice President and decided to stay back,” the source said.

The PDP, led nationally by Tanimu Turaki, condemned Fintiri’s defection, describing it as an act of cowardice that undermines the principles of multi-party democracy. In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, the party said Fintiri’s decision to leave the platform that supported his political journey over “minor inconveniences” reflected poor political principle.

“While we acknowledge that this decision is within Fintiri’s legal rights, it clearly violates political principles and morality and poses a challenge to multi-party democracy. For someone to abandon a platform that provided political cover across several election cycles at the first sign of discomfort is an exhibition of unrestrained cowardice, not the conduct of a principled politician. History and posterity are the ultimate and unbiased judges of human actions.”

The PDP called on members in Adamawa to accept the development with composure while recording the actions of individuals for posterity.

Adamu and Maksha’s decision to stay put signals the Atiku family’s continued influence in Adamawa politics and underscores their commitment to their father’s legacy and the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

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