🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana expresses disappointment over 2010 World Cup exclusion
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana has voiced his disappointment regarding his omission from Nigeria’s squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Sixteen years later, Olofinjana stated that he was never informed of the reason for his exclusion, despite playing a significant role in the qualifying campaign, including captaining the national team in several matches. He earned 48 caps for Nigeria between 2000 and 2011. Speaking on the PlayZone podcast, the former Hull City midfielder mentioned that neither the coaching staff nor the Nigeria Football Federation contacted him to explain the decision. While acknowledging that no player has an automatic right to a national team spot, Olofinjana expected communication given his contributions. He reflected on the privilege and significance of representing Nigeria, stating he always wore the national colors with great pride.
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The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency NESREA has initiated an investigation into a suspected chemical spill on the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway. This follows the appearance of a white, foamy substance at an accident site. A team from NESREA's Kaduna State Field Office, led by State Coordinator Mr. Hena Dangari Emmanuel, visited the area and met with the Police Commander for Jere, ACP Sani Zubairu, the Federal Road Safety Corps commander, and the community leader. Preliminary findings suggest a heavy-duty truck was involved in an accident, causing its contents to spill. NESREA has collected samples of the foamy substance, soil, and water from a nearby stream for laboratory analysis. The agency has advised the public to avoid contact with the substance, water, and surrounding soil until the investigation is concluded to prevent potential exposure to hazardous materials. The laboratory analysis will determine the nature of the substance and guide subsequent actions.
Air Peace and Etihad Airways have signed an interline agreement to enhance connectivity across Nigeria and West and Central Africa. This partnership will allow passengers to access more destinations with a single ticket. The agreement opens 20 destinations across Nigeria, West, and Central Africa to Etihad Airways’ passengers, while Air Peace customers will be able to connect to Abu Dhabi via Etihad’s Lagos and Accra services once they commence. Etihad passengers can travel beyond Lagos and Accra to Air Peace’s domestic and regional destinations, including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, Benin City, Owerri, Warri, Asaba, Abidjan, Dakar, Banjul, Freetown, Monrovia, Conakry, Bamako, Douala, and Libreville. This collaboration supports Etihad’s African expansion, which includes a planned daily service between Abu Dhabi and Lagos. Arik De, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer of Etihad Airways, stated that Nigeria is central to their long-term ambitions in Africa. Nowel Ngala, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Peace, highlighted that the agreement extends their goal of opening doors for Nigerian and West African travelers. Combined journeys will be bookable on both airlines’ platforms once the agreement takes effect. This marks another international partnership for Air Peace, following agreements with Turkish Airlines and Emirates, as it continues to expand its global reach and aims to position Lagos as a major regional aviation hub.
The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau NSIB and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA have initiated discussions to enhance cooperation in supporting victims of aircraft accidents and their families. This move aims to align Nigeria's emergency response framework with international aviation standards. The discussions, held in Abuja, involved the National Family Assistance Committee, coordinated by the NSIB, and NCAA officials. Both agencies focused on improving institutional coordination, building capacity, and implementing Family Assistance programs within Nigeria's aviation sector. Funke Arowojobe, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, stated that the engagement with the NCAA sought to strengthen collaboration on aviation disaster victim and family assistance. Discussions covered the objectives of the Family Assistance Programme, the International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO policy on assistance to aircraft accident victims and their families, and the roles of both NSIB and NCAA. Michael Achimugu, NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the need for continuous training and retraining of personnel. Both agencies identified practical areas for collaboration, including joint capacity-building programs, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder sensitization, to establish clearer institutional procedures for supporting families affected by aviation accidents.