• The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)’s petition to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to expel Dr Congo for fielding ineligible players has generated controversy online
• For many Nigerians, a decision in the country’s favour could resurrect the country’s World Cup 2026 hopes, while others argue that the move is an effort in futility
• Commenting on the trending issue, writer and social media expert, Japheth Joshua Omojuwa, publicly disclosed the information he got from his ‘person in FIFA’ regarding the petition

Japheth Joshua Omojuwa, a Nigerian political commentator and writer, has opened up about what his source in FIFA told him concerning the NFF’s petition seeking to expel the Dr Congo for fielding ineligible players.

The NFF’s move has continued to generate mixed reactions on social media.

Japheth Omojuwa says his person in FIFA suggested that Nigeria’s case is weak.
Photo Credit: Eston Parker, Soccer Bytes
Source: Getty Images

The Democratic Republic of Congo clinched Africa’s spot at the intercontinental playoffs after defeating the Super Eagles of Nigeria 4-3 on penalties, but the NFF petition could hand Nigeria a lifeline if there is a decision in the country’s favour.

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Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup hopes: Omojuwa shares why Nigeria’s case is “weak”

Omojuwa shares what his ‘FIFA source’ said

In a now-viral tweet, Omojuwa stated that his person in FIFA implied that Nigeria’s case against Dr Congo is weak. In his words:

“My person in FIFA suggested to me that Nigeria’s case is weak. We had no business being here. Twice.”

Omojuwa’s tweet has been met with mixed reactions, with some dismissing his source’s remark as they hope for a positive decision from FIFA.

Japheth Omojuwa says his person in FIFA suggested that Nigeria’s case is weak.
Photo Credit: Aaron M. Sprecher
Source: Getty Images

See Omojuwa’s tweet below:

Petition to FIFA: Omojuwa’s remark stirs reactions

Legit.ng has compiled some reactions to Omojuwa’s tweet below:

@ayodawson07 said:

“Congolese rules say a citizen cannot have a dual passport’. Let’s take it that this is true. It’s got nothing to do with FIFA rules. You can only petition FIFA based on FIFA rules. So NFF should be ashamed!”

@JumeirahRoyale said:

“What’s the position of your person in Fifa? Is he of the players’ status chamber of Fifa football Tribunal? If not, he might be saying… This is bookmarked though for reference purposes.”

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@emmababse said:

“FYI- if Nigeria wants to go to the world cup. U need to win ur games on the pitch. Dual nationality is congolese government issue and not Fifa. Those players had Congolese passports and by FiFa, they are legitimate Congolese players.”

@YaayaOrtiz said:

“The whole petition thing is just damage control by NFF or let’s say the last kick of a dying horse.”If that cabal is not clapped down.”We will still be hoping on hopeless hope when it comes to football in Nigeria.”

@gabriel_bolatit said:

“Those guys should rest 😪 we have golden opportunity to qualify but blow it now looking opportunity for corner corner.”

@Myrmontana said:

“Imagine Congo is even disqualified. Won’t put it past Nigeria to lose at the intercontinental finals again.”

@SchoolsinNaija said:

“Haaaa, abeg tell am say make em no allow our case to be weak oooo….. please, remind him that Russia and Qatar got the hosting rights for the world cup even when their bids appeared weak then. Tell him that we believe in FIFA’s ability to pull this one for us.”

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@sweetprince_jr said:

“My person in FIFA say make Nigeria drop $5m say e get person wey go run am for us.”

World Cup: Dr Congo’s FA director reacts

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Dr Congo’s FA Director Herita Ilunga had reacted to Nigeria’s petition to FIFA.

Nigeria wants the Central African country expelled after alleging that it fielded ineligible players during the African playoff final in Morocco.

Vanguard reported that the General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed that the federation had officially begun their protest.

Source: Legit.ng

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A lady has ignited heated discussions on social media after revealing she blocked her brother and his wife, who is currently pregnant with twins.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the lady, identified as Lolochichy, explained that her brother’s wife, who already has a seven-month-and-two-week-old child, is expecting twins. She confirmed that she has blocked both of them.

“My brother’s wife is 6 months pregnant with twins and they have a 7 months and 2 weeks old. I have blocked them both.” 

Her post quickly drew widespread reactions, with some sympathising over the potential financial burden this could impose on her.

Public Reactions

Luna commented: “Even Asap and Rihanna aren’t moving this way. I completely understand why you had to block them for your peace.”

Fixin joked: “They need to separate both of them before they birth a whole football team 😂.”

Muhibbah said: “6 months pregnant with a sibling of 7 months 2 weeks old? Yeah, that must be a mistake.”

Bishop added: “Justice for your brother. But we all get tired of the drama. After the kids grow, they are assets. I prefer they get the kids at short spacing and then spend the rest of my time bringing them up.”

Chris Chiedu wrote: “Omo, na back-to-back pregnancy be this! 😂 But blocking them? That one choke. You could just mute the updates if it’s too loud 😅. No be their fault say blessings full ground like this.”

Storyteller remarked: “Twins in 6 months and another baby already 7 months old? This seems less like a miracle of nature and more like a system malfunction. Just stay blocked; you’ll be safer that way.”

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The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has described remarks attributed to a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo, suggesting that President Bola Tinubu can now “rule Nigeria with the military” following a Supreme Court verdict relating to the emergency rule in Rivers State, as “reckless and misleading”.

The party said such remarks by Okonkwo were not only false but also “intellectually dishonest”, stressing that Supreme Court verdicts are not military decrees.

Mogaji Seye Oladejo, spokesman of the state arm of the party, said the Supreme Court did not suspend democracy in Rivers State but merely interpreted the law as empowered by the Nigerian Constitution.

In a statement he signed, Oladejo said that in a constitutional democracy, court decisions may disappoint political actors, but they are binding on all.

According to Oladejo: “A Supreme Court judgment is the highest expression of constitutional authority in a democracy. It is neither a military fiat nor an executive directive. To deliberately conflate a judicial verdict with military rule is to either misunderstand the basic workings of democracy or to willfully mislead the public for partisan ends.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, contrary to the alarmist narrative being peddled, has neither sought nor exercised extra-constitutional powers. His democratic credentials are well established. He was a frontline opponent of military dictatorship, a victim of repression, and a contributor to the restoration of civil rule in Nigeria. The suggestion that such a leader would now govern by military proxy is as absurd as it is insulting.

“What is evident from Mr. Okonkwo’s commentary is a familiar opposition reflex: when the courts do not validate their political expectations, they attempt to delegitimise the judiciary and sow fear among the populace. This pattern of crying dictatorship at every unfavourable verdict is irresponsible and dangerous.

“More troubling, however, is the fact that this brand of anti-democratic rhetoric and the sheer promotion of anarchy now appear to be the default response of the opposition to constitutional setbacks. This constitutes the single greatest danger to our nascent democracy. When political actors deliberately undermine confidence in the courts and demonise lawful authority, they weaken the very foundations of the republic they claim to defend.”

Oladejo noted that Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy governed by laws, institutions and the separation of powers.

He said: “The military is under civilian control as prescribed by the Constitution, and there has been no action, directive or policy under President Tinubu that suggests otherwise.”

The Lagos APC called on all well-meaning Nigerians, democrats and patriots to condemn what it described as a new low from the opposition in its entirety.

“Supreme Court verdicts are instruments of justice, not instruments of tyranny. They strengthen democracy; they do not destroy it,” he added.

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Oyo State chapter of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has elected members of the executive council.

It said it is positioned to succeed in the 2027 general election.

The new executives include the Chairman, Makinde Sunday; Deputy Chairman, Chief Bandele Oyekunle; Secretary, Mr Olalekan Abiodun; Publicity Secretary, Mr Olapade Timothy; Financial Secretary, Adewale Orosiji; Organising Secretary, Elder Atanda Lawrence; Legal Adviser,  Aware Ajoke; Treasurer, Opeyemi Ibrahim; Women Leader, Mrs Dasola Adebayo and Youth Leader, Mr Oyewole Taiwo.

Makinde said the new executives under his watch were prepared to reposition the party, adding that in the coming general election, NNPP would make inroad into governance in Oyo State.

He said with the experience of politicians in the state executive, the party would do its home work and position itself for victory in the coming election.

Makinde said the executives would provide a level playing field for aspirants.

He added: “Let me tell the people of Oyo State that NNPP is ready to bring succour to them. We are not going to increase your hardship like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government is doing. Your welfare will be our priority.

“To those who have political ambition, kindly move into our party and realise your ambition. Our door is widely opened.”

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Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has vowed not to serve as a running mate to any presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.

There has been speculation that the former governor might deputise former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is reportedly positioning himself as the likely presidential flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

However, speaking at an event in Abuja, Amaechi dismissed the notion, insisting that he is “too presidential” to be anyone’s vice.

“I will not be vice president to anybody. There are too many reasons why I won’t be vice president to anybody. The first reason is that I’m too presidential to be vice,” he said.

Amaechi, who is also eyeing the ADC presidential ticket, argued that the problem with the office of the vice president in Nigeria is not ceremonial but structural.

According to the former Rivers State governor, the office is deliberately designed to be subordinate, often powerless, and dependent on the disposition of the president.

“We will quarrel. Instead of that, I would rather be a minister than be a vice president,” Amaechi added.

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Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) begin a protest in Lagos on Wednesday against the worsening insecurity in the state, despite holding a late-night meeting with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock on Tuesday.

The protest draws large crowds as workers and union leaders demand urgent government action to tackle the rising crime and insecurity affecting residents and businesses across Lagos.

The demonstration follows weeks of violent incidents across Nigeria, with the NLC vowing to continue its advocacy until concrete measures are taken to curb insecurity.

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The Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a pivotal role in shaping the growth, efficiency, and sustainability of fintech companies.

Tasked with overseeing day-to-day operations, the COO ensures seamless coordination across critical departments such as product development, customer service, compliance, and technology.

Their leadership transforms strategic vision into operational execution, enabling companies to thrive in competitive markets.

In fintech, the COO is often described as the operational heartbeat of the organization. This is because they balance the dual challenges of innovation and regulation, driving disruptive technology while ensuring adherence to strict financial oversight. Their ability to harmonize creativity with compliance is what makes them indispensable in such a dynamic industry.

Fintechs have continued to grow in Nigeria and Africa, attracting more investments. According to data compiled by Nairametrics Research, 80 African fintech startups raised over $661 million between January and June 2025.

The top 10 fintech fundraisers alone accounted for more than $470 million, up from $431 million in the same period last year.

Senegal, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana dominated the leaderboard, while the “Big Four” of Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa maintained their multi-year grip on the continent’s fintech capital flows, jointly securing 69.19% of total funding.

West Africa emerged as the top-performing region, pulling in $298.5 million (45.1% of total fintech funding). This was driven largely by Senegal’s record-breaking $137 million debt deal and Nigeria’s $112 million haul—more than double its H1 2024 figure.

Although some fintech firms have eliminated the COO role, particularly when not filled by a co-founder, many leading companies continue to retain it, underscoring the strategic importance of operational leadership in scaling businesses, navigating regulatory complexities, and sustaining long-term growth.

Here are the COOs driving Nigeria’s fintech revolution in 2025.

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8. Daniel Hegarty – Kuda 

Daniel Hegarty joined Kuda as Chief Operating Officer in September 2024, bringing over a decade of experience in technology-driven financial systems. Based in London, he oversees Kuda’s global operations and plays a critical role in shaping the company’s future direction.

Beyond his role at Kuda, Hegarty is the founder of Communion, a platform designed to help individuals build financial resilience and improve their relationship with money. His entrepreneurial background complements his operational expertise, positioning him as a versatile leader in fintech.

Founded in 2019 by Babs Ogundeyi and Musty Mustapha, Kuda has grown into a full-service digital bank operating in Nigeria and the UK. With offerings such as zero maintenance fees, free transfers, and automated savings, Kuda continues to redefine digital banking under Hegarty’s operational guidance.

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8. Daniel Hegarty – Kuda 

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The Senate has directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to urgently investigate rumours circulating on social media about the collapse and, in some cases, the death of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The upper chamber also asked the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, to work with the NSA to uncover the people responsible for spreading the false reports.

The resolution followed a point of order raised by Senator Titus Zam of Benue North West under Order 42 of the Senate Standing Orders.

Zam expressed concern over the rumours, which had been circulating online for more than 48 hours, and described them as dangerous and unacceptable.

He said that the Senate President, as Nigeria’s number three citizen, should not be subjected to such misinformation.

Zam condemned claims that Akpabio suffered a health emergency and was rushed to a hospital in London. He called the reports fake, irresponsible, and misleading.

Zam urged security agencies to identify those behind the false claims and ensure they face legal consequences.

He also noted that similar rumours had recently targeted former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, highlighting a growing trend of misinformation aimed at national leaders.

Responding to the motion, Senate President Akpabio acknowledged the challenges of controlling social media narratives. He said people cannot be prevented from publishing what he described as “garbage in, garbage out.”

He asked the Senate members whether the matter should be formally referred to the NSA and DSS for investigation.

The proposal was put to a voice vote and unanimously adopted. The NSA and DSS are now mandated to investigate the source, intent, and spread of the rumours.

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By Adeola Badru

Apprehension gripped residents along the Lagos–Ibadan expressway in Oluyole Local Government Area, Oyo State, yesterday after a powerful blast from Eminent Quarry sent shockwaves through homes and businesses.

The explosion, which occurred at around 7:50 pm, caused buildings to shake violently and sparked widespread panic, with residents fearing for their lives and demanding immediate action from authorities.

Communities affected include Orisunmibare, Ekefa, Ajayi, areas surrounding Aramed Hospital, and several corporate establishments near the quarry site.

Eyewitnesses reported that the sudden blast threw the entire area into chaos, with residents running into the streets in fear.

“Our buildings shook as if an earthquake had struck. Many of us ran out of our houses in fear, thinking Nigeria was under a terrorist attack,” said a resident of the Orisunmibare community.

Another resident criticised the timing of the blast, which occurred late in the evening in a densely populated area.

“This is not just noise pollution; it is a direct threat to human life. Children, the elderly, and patients at Aramed Hospital—everyone was terrified,” they added.

Community leaders, however, described the quarry’s operations as wholly incompatible with human habitation, alleging that the company has continued blasting activities without proper regulation, community consultation, or adherence to safety standards.

Medical personnel in the area also expressed concern over panic-induced health complications, particularly among patients with heart conditions, hypertension, or anxiety disorders.

Residents and community leaders are now calling on regulatory and security authorities, including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Ministry of Solid Minerals, emergency management agencies, and law enforcement, to urgently investigate Eminent Quarry’s operations, assess compliance with safety and environmental laws, and suspend further blasting until a thorough inquiry is conducted.

“We are not opposed to legitimate business,” a community spokesperson said, “but no company has the right to operate in a manner that turns peaceful communities into war zones.”

Residents warned that continued silence or inaction by authorities could escalate tensions, emphasising that their demand is simple, as they called for safety, accountability, and respect for human lives.

As of press time, Eminent Quarry had not issued a public statement regarding the incident, as the communities insisted that the matter cannot be treated as routine and are urging the Oyo State Government and relevant federal agencies to act decisively to prevent what they fear could become a tragic and avoidable disaster.

They said the quarry, located beside Aramed Hospital along the Lagos–Ibadan expressway, has been carrying out highly unregulated blasting activities.

“The latest evening blast caused widespread panic, with residents fearing a warlike situation, highlighting urgent concerns over safety, regulation, and the wellbeing of neighbouring communities,” the residents said.

The post Apprehension grips residents as quarry blast rocks houses in Ibadan appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship election in Osun state, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has assured of unity among members of the party in the State, just as he affirmed members’ support for the party’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji.

Dr Oyetola, who is also the Leader of the APC in Osun State, gave the assurance when the Chairman of the APC 2026 Osun State Governorship Primary Committee and Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his Ondo state counterpart, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa paid him a courtesy visit at his Ileri Oluwa Office in Oshogbo.

Speaking during the visit, Dr Oyetola emphasised that the APC in Osun State is more cohesive than ever, describing the party as a united family working with a shared purpose to reclaim the state from what he termed the bad governance of the present inept administration in the state.

ALSO READ: 2027: PDP rallies ex-governors, ministers for strength

“The APC in Osun State is fully united and solidly behind our governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji,” the Minister said. “Our collective resolve is to rescue Osun State and return it to the path of purposeful, people-oriented governance.”

Dr Oyetola attributed the current strength and unity of the party to sustained leadership and strategic engagement across the state.

He noted that under his leadership as party leader, the APC in Osun has witnessed transformational growth, attracting hundreds of thousands of new members from other political parties. According to him, this wave of defections includes prominent political figures and serving federal lawmakers who have aligned with the APC’s vision for Osun State.

He expressed confidence in the capacity of Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji to provide effective leadership and deliver good governance to the people of the state, stressing that the party’s choice of candidate reflects its commitment to competence, integrity and development-driven leadership.

Dr Oyetola also commended the APC national leadership for constituting a credible and experienced governorship primary committee, describing the visit by Governor Okpebholo, Governor Aiyedatiwa and other committee members as a demonstration of the party’s seriousness and internal democracy.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

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