Sports
NAOSRE CONFERENCE: MD Abubakar, Attah, Ubani, Akhaine task security agents on discipline
In pursuit of a re invigorated game plane for a well secured environment, necessitated by prevailing Covid-19 security challenges in Nigeria, high ranking military operatives, legal and human rights experts, the academic on Thursday, July 30, converged on a National Security Virtual Conference, eNAOSRE’20, to proffer short and long-term solutions.
At the conference organised by the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, speakers identified distrusts, extortions, lack of political will, policy inconsistency and poor implementation of the rule of engagements as some of the ugly scenarios associated with managing insecurity in the pandemic.
Various speakers at the webinar harped on the twin evils of physical and health security challenges confronting the citizens and took exemptions to the gross abuse of rights by military agents. They pointed out an urgent need to check the disturbing trend from further escalation into an untamed monster.
The Keynote speaker, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, former Inspector General of Police, ret’d started by commending the organizers of the conference saying security is the basis of being secured and safe for economic development. He emphasized that Nigeria’s security landscape and the current architecture are vulnerable to various risks generated by peculiarities as a country, adding that since the universal essence of government is security, those in authority should endeavour to fund training of military officers for effective discharge of security duties.
Said he: “Intelligence gathering is very key in modern security operations. Officers must think outside the box. They must engage in information sharing to be able to nip criminal activities in the bud. Retired and experienced security experts should be included in the security architecture so that citizens and businesses can move unhindered.”
He asserted that security is a situational discipline involving direct and indirect threats. This, according to the former IGP, requires sound understanding of the operating environment through effective intelligence for decision mechanism capable of mitigating security risks.
Abubakar further sued for adequate welfare for officers and men in uniform. “How much is the salary? Most of the officers went about their duties at the early stages of Covid-19 without nose masks. They would go on duty for several hours without adequate provision for welfare. They were sufficiently exposed to dangers. I call on the high command to give attention to officers training and welfare,” he said.
One of the speakers, Barrister Monday Ubani, said Covid-19 insecurity provoked infringements on citizens’ fundamental rights, a development, he said, requires permission for accused persons to be allowed access to phones for incident recording while in security agents’ custody.
“In the month of March, security agents wasted more lives than save lives. Records revealed that while the disease killed 11 people in the period under review, security agents killed 18,” he said.
On the theme of the conference, ‘Tackling Insecurity in Nigeria Amidst Covid-19: The Nigeria Experience,’ he sees it as timely in view of twisted mindset of security agents who cash in on the prevailing situation to exploit innocent and unsuspecting citizens.
“Recently, I travelled to the eastern part of Nigeria. At Niger Bridge, the boundary between Delta and Anambra States, security agents were in open market collecting money from passengers and drivers. They made so much money. Their primary mission to ensure unauthorized persons were not allowed to move about freely as a way of checking further spread of the disease became a lucrative enterprise for extortions. Government’s genuine plan to halt further spread was defeated on the altar of unpatriotic personal enrichment,” he lamented.
He however, commended the Police high command who consistently assured Nigerians of protection and admonished citizens to video record any untoward attitude exhibited by any of its officers for prompt disciplinary actions.
Professor Odion Akhaine of Lagos State University agreed with Ubani’s overview of the lockdown and lamented the prevailing high level of ignorance amongst security agents who were extorting raw cash from citizens “The raw cash they were collecting as bribe from motorists may have been contaminated. They were oblivious of the dangers in their actions, thereby spreading it to family members and friends,” he said.
As a remedy, Akhaine advocated a creative response to the abnormalities that define security operations. He called for training and intelligent approach to tackling insecurity including political will that transcends political party affinity to deal with all forms of immediate and foreseen insecurity threats.
Nigerian Customs spokesman, Deputy Comptroller Joseph Attah, espoused the needs for citizens’ co operation with security agents for effective tackling of insecurity in Nigeria amidst Covid-19 saying the challenges are quite enormous than envisaged. He pointed out the risks of securing borders, sea and air ports given that goods cleared by Customs officers are coming from high risk countries. He explained that the Customs Service is a frontline agency that engages what goes out and what comes into the country every second of the day. “Most of our officers suffered consequences. Some were and still being quarantined because we are always available to receive items even from high risk countries.”
However, he urged citizens to capture violation of their rights including illegal fee collections with short video recording for necessary disciplinary actions, assuring that the Customs is committed to adequate and professional border security including respects of the rule of law.
All the speakers unanimously agreed that government must, as a matter of urgent national importance, review the nation’s security policy to reflect current security challenges.
They called on citizens, security personnel, stakeholders, private security sector, traditional and religious leaders to synergize for collective solutions to the prevailing pandemic insecurity.
Earlier, NAOSRE’s President, Samson Oki, in his remarks, re affirmed the association’s focus in bridging information gap between the public and security operatives. He solicited for proactive measures in not only solving security issues but promoting peaceful communities and attracting foreign investments.
Oki, who foresees probable citizen’s weakened trust on operatives on the hegemonic curves called for prompt rescue remedies through working relationship and synergy between security formations and NAOSRE.
In her remarks, the association’s Vice President, Favour Benson explained the Covid-19 complex modes of insecurity in Nigeria occasioned by different narratives of abuse of rights, extortions and outright molestations. The situation, she stated, requires immediate review for sustainable solution.
Sports
Adeniyi Urges Customs Officers to Stay Fit, Commissions Sports Arena at Western Marine Command
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By Ifeoma Ikem
Sports
Fans Mock Pinnick’s ‘Morocco-Level’ Pitch Claim as Credibility Debate Returns to Nigerian Football
Fans Mock Pinnick’s ‘Morocco-Level’ Pitch Claim as Credibility Debate Returns to Nigerian Football
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Former NFF boss promises five world-class surfaces in 18 months, but supporters question record and reality.”
A fresh controversy has erupted in Nigerian football after former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president and FIFA Council member Amaju Melvin Pinnick declared that Nigeria would soon have football pitches comparable to those used at major tournaments in Morocco. The statement, intended to signal a new phase of infrastructure upgrades, instead triggered widespread skepticism among fans.
The backlash followed Pinnick’s remarks in early February 2026, when he said Nigeria would have at least five pitches matching Moroccan standards within 18 months. According to him, the team responsible for Morocco’s acclaimed stadium surfaces had already arrived in Nigeria to begin the upgrades. He identified the targeted venues as Warri City Stadium, two stadiums in Bayelsa State, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Rather than inspiring confidence, the announcement was met with sarcasm and disbelief across social media. Many supporters dismissed the claim as unrealistic, pointing to the current state of numerous Nigerian pitches, several of which have failed to meet international standards in recent years. Some fans described the promise as something to “believe at your own risk,” reflecting deep mistrust toward football administrators.
The reaction comes against the backdrop of long-standing infrastructure problems in Nigerian football. For years, the country has struggled to maintain stadiums to the standards required by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). On multiple occasions, national-team matches have been moved or played in alternative venues because approved facilities were unavailable.
Pinnick himself has previously acknowledged the depth of the problem. In earlier interviews, he admitted that many Nigerian stadiums lack basic amenities and cannot meet international requirements, noting that the country is currently unable to host major FIFA competitions because of substandard facilities. He also contrasted Nigeria’s situation with Morocco’s, describing the North African country as having a “plug-and-play” football infrastructure capable of hosting major tournaments at short notice.
Morocco’s progress has been widely praised by football authorities. The country has invested heavily in modern stadiums, training facilities, and pitch technology, positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading hosts for international competitions. Its infrastructure upgrades have played a major role in securing hosting rights for major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria’s situation has followed a different trajectory. Many stadiums built or renovated at significant cost have deteriorated within a few years, often due to poor maintenance, irregular funding, and administrative disputes. Sports policy experts argue that the core problem is not simply the construction of facilities but the absence of sustainable management structures.
Global sports business scholar Professor Simon Chadwick has argued that infrastructure projects must be backed by sound governance. “Facilities are only as effective as the systems that sustain them,” he notes. “Without management discipline, even the best stadiums deteriorate quickly.”
Economist Andrew Zimbalist, a leading authority on sports infrastructure, has also warned that stadium promises often fail without transparent planning and long-term operational strategies. His research shows that politically driven projects frequently fall short of expectations when maintenance and funding models are unclear.
These broader concerns help explain the intensity of the reaction to Pinnick’s latest claim. Many supporters remember his eight-year tenure as NFF president from 2014 to 2022, a period that produced mixed results. While the national team qualified for major tournaments and maintained administrative stability, the infrastructure question remained largely unresolved.
Beyond public debate, the issue carries practical consequences. Stadium quality directly affects Nigeria’s ability to host international matches. When facilities fail to meet required standards, national teams are forced to play “home” fixtures in foreign countries, increasing costs and weakening home advantage.
The impact is also felt at the grassroots level. Without quality pitches, young players are forced to train in poor conditions that do not match international standards, creating long-term developmental disadvantages.
Supporters of Pinnick argue that the new plan could mark a genuine effort to address these long-standing problems. They note that the proposal involves collaboration with international pitch experts and focuses on specific stadiums rather than vague nationwide promises.
Critics, however, insist that credibility will depend entirely on execution. They argue that Nigerian football has heard similar assurances for decades, with little to show in terms of sustained improvement.
For now, the 18-month timeline has set a clear benchmark. If the promised upgrades materialize and the selected stadiums meet international standards, the initiative could help restore public confidence. Though if the deadline passes without visible results, the skepticism surrounding the announcement is likely to deepen.
In a football-obsessed nation, infrastructure promises are no longer judged by speeches or press statements. They are judged by results and by the condition of the pitch on match day.
Sports
Super Eagles Soar: Nigeria Storms AFCON 2025 Semifinals in a Showcase of Resilience and Continental Football Supremacy
Super Eagles Soar: Nigeria Storms AFCON 2025 Semifinals in a Showcase of Resilience and Continental Football Supremacy.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
saharaweeklyng.com
“After a commanding 2-0 win over Algeria and quarter-final upsets across the board, Nigeria sets up a blockbuster semi-final against hosts Morocco as Egypt and Senegal also advance in the Africa Cup of Nations.”
When the whistle blew in Marrakech’s Grand Stade on January 10, 2026, history was reaffirmed: Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Africa’s perennial powerhouse, soared into the AFCON 2025 semifinals with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Algeria in the quarter-finals. Driven by tactical intelligence, physical dominance and individual brilliance, the Nigerian side not only dispatched a formidable North African foe but did so with the authority and poise expected of a team with genuine title ambitions.
It was a performance that combined discipline and flair, a perfect example of why Nigeria has become regular visitors to football’s final four. Led by stars like Victor Osimhen (the 2023 African Player of the Year) and Akor Adams, the Super Eagles delivered a masterclass under pressure.
Nigeria vs. Algeria: Tactical Supremacy and Clinical Execution.
From the first whistle, Nigeria wrested control of the tempo. Dominant possession, coordinated pressing, and superior fitness allowed them to dictate play against an Algeria side that had previously relied on experience and technical skill. Despite a bright early threat from Algeria (who came into the game after a taxing extra-time victory in the round of 16) the Super Eagles held the balance of play throughout.
The breakthrough came immediately after halftime and a moment that in elite football often decides destiny. In the 47th minute, Nigeria’s attacking interplay culminated in a Victor Osimhen header from a precise Bruno Onyemaechi delivery, piercing Algeria’s resistance and igniting Nigerian belief.
Ten minutes later, Osimhen turned provider with an unselfishly feeding Akor Adams, who calmly rounded Algeria’s goalkeeper Luka Zidane and slotted home Nigeria’s second goal.
Both goals were TEXTBOOK EXAMPLES of Nigeria’s attacking versatility. Where the first came from intelligent aerial play, the second was built on patient build-up and incisive final third creativity.
For renowned football analyst Dr. Abdulazeez Hassan, such performances reflect the psychological maturity of current Nigerian squads:
“Modern African football demands not only technical ability but mental resilience. Nigeria’s ability to control both possession and tempo against Algeria demonstrated an evolution in tactical discipline seldom seen in earlier Super Eagles sides.” says Dr. Abdulazeez Hassan, African Football Analyst.
The Broader AFCON 2025 Landscape.
Nigeria’s victory unfolded amidst waves of dramatic results across the tournament’s other quarterfinal matches, each with far-reaching implications for the continent’s football hierarchy.
Morocco’s Historic Progress.
Co-hosts Morocco continued their impressive campaign by defeating Cameroon 2-0 to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2004. With a brilliant display in Rabat, the Atlas Lions⚽ confirmed their intent to secure the first AFCON title in half a century. Morocco’s progress carries weight beyond sport. Football historian Khalid El Idrissi explains:
“Football in Morocco has become a symbol of national unity and ambition. This run speaks to more than talent—it is a reflection of strategic development, investment, and a generation determined to leave its mark.” says Khalid El Idrissi, Football Historian.
Worth noting is the tournament’s structural significance: Morocco also plays co-host to the 2030 FIFA World Cup and a testament to Africa’s rising stature in global football.
Egypt and Senegal Forge Onward.
The quarterfinal stage delivered drama in North Africa too. Egypt, led by talisman Mohamed Salah, edged past Ivory Coast 3-2 in a clash that will live long in the memories of African football fans. Salah’s performance, featuring a record-equalling scoring tally, embodied Egypt’s blend of veteran skill and domestic league grit.
Meanwhile, Senegal (arguably one of the tournament’s most complete sides) secured a semifinal berth with a win over Mali, setting up an electrifying encounter with Egypt. Their journey has showcased tactical adaptability and unyielding defensive shape, attributes lauded by coaches and pundits alike.
For sports strategist Dr. Farouk Conteh, Senegal’s rise is emblematic:
“Senegal is not just winning games; they are defining a new model of African success—balance between defense and attack, and a psychological fortitude earned through continental competitions.” says Dr. Farouk Conteh, Sports Strategist.
Setting the Semifinal Stage: What’s at Stake.
With the stage now set for two electrifying semifinals (Morocco vs. Nigeria and Senegal vs. Egypt) the drama of AFCON 2025 has never been richer.
Morocco vs. Nigeria: A Clash of Titans.
The Nigeria-Morocco matchup epitomizes the essence of African football: flair versus experience, speed versus structure and underdog resolve against home-support fervor.
For Nigeria, this game is more than tactical; it is symbolic. After missing out on the FIFA World Cup qualification, the Super Eagles have channeled national disappointment into continental determination. Their performance against Algeria was evidence not of mere resilience but of a collective hunger to restore Nigerian excellence on Africa’s grandest stage.
Veteran coach Emmanuel Okoye captures the sentiment succinctly:
“Nigeria’s football identity must always reflect passion, pace and boldness. In Morocco, they have found themselves again in an assertive, cohesive and lethal when the moment demands.” says Emmanuel Okoye, Veteran Football Coach.
For Morocco, buoyed by home support and a fervent quest for victory, the semifinal in Rabat will be no less than a national festival. Their defensive solidity and midfield creativity will test Nigeria’s counterattacking dynamism.
Egypt vs. Senegal: Tradition vs. Tenacity.
The other semifinal pits history against speed. Egypt, the record seven-time AFCON champions, carry a legacy of brilliance. But Senegal’s physicality and depth (fast becoming one of Africa’s most feared teams) promise a tactical chess match that could redefine continental power structures.
Football journalist Sophie Adesina notes:
“Egypt’s experience versus Senegal’s modern athleticism is a narrative rich with contrast. Either side could change the storyline of African football for years to come.” says Sophie Adesina, Football Journalist.
Final Thoughts: The Contest for Continental Supremacy.
As AFCON 2025 edges toward its climax, the narrative is clear: this tournament has reintroduced Africa to its footballing soul (passionate, unpredictable, and unbounded by stereotype. Nigeria’s journey to the semifinals is not merely a statistical achievement; it is a reaffirmation of African football’s dynamism) where talent, strategy and heart converge in spectacular fashion.
The Super Eagles’ triumph over Algeria was not only a win, bit it was also a message.
A message that says Nigeria remains a continent marked not by past struggles but by future potential; that in football (as in life) resilience and unity can subdue adversity.
And in Morocco’s Rabat, when these two clubs of African myth meet, the beautiful game will once again affirm why it is Africa’s greatest shared passion.
Published by saharaweeklyng.com – Your trusted source for African sports journalism.
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