馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Maktown Flyers coach optimistic ahead of Basketball Africa League debut
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Abdulrahman Mohammed, head coach of Maktown Flyers, Nigeria's representative in the Basketball Africa League, expressed confidence in his team as they prepare for their debut. The Maktown Flyers will start their Sahara Conference campaign against JCA Kings on Saturday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex. Mohammed, a former assistant coach with Rivers Hoopers, acknowledged his players' limited BAL experience but believes their desire to succeed can overcome this. He highlighted the team's focus on building chemistry among players from diverse backgrounds during their short preparation period. Drawing on his experience as a former international player and coach for Nigeria's D'Tigers, Mohammed has emphasized mental toughness and pride in representing their team on a continental platform. This season, national league champions from seven countries automatically qualified for the BAL, with five other teams qualifying through Road to BAL tournaments. Each conference will feature a 15-game group phase, with eight teams advancing to the playoffs in Kigali.
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The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking and other transnational organized crimes by handing over two rescued human trafficking victims to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons NAPTIP. The victims were rescued during a targeted anti-human trafficking operation on July 17, 2026, and subsequently transferred to NAPTIP鈥檚 Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja on July 19, 2026, for rehabilitation, protection, and further investigation. The handover was conducted by the Forward Operating Base, Badagry. Before their transfer to NAPTIP, the rescued individuals underwent comprehensive documentation, biometric capture, and other administrative procedures at the Western Naval Command Maritime Crime Investigation Desk, in line with the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedures for handling victims of trafficking. This operation highlights the Nigerian Navy's expanded maritime security efforts to intercept human trafficking networks and its determination to protect vulnerable persons. The Navy stated it would continue to sustain intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency cooperation to prevent human trafficking, disrupt criminal syndicates, and promote a safe maritime environment.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that President Bola Tinubu's administration is intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria, expressing confidence that the challenge will soon be resolved. Akpabio made these remarks while receiving members of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, led by its National President, Dr. Lima Ahmed, during a courtesy visit to the National Assembly in Abuja. He cited the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State as evidence of the Federal Government's dedication to addressing security issues. Akpabio urged Nigerians not to rely on social media for information regarding the security situation, stating it does not reflect the true efforts being made. He also discussed women's participation in politics, attributing past challenges to the conduct of some female office holders. The Senate President pledged the National Assembly's support for an upcoming international ladies golf tournament in Abuja. Dr. Ahmed thanked Akpabio and invited him to the tournament, also decorating him as the association's Grand Patron.
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is expected to stay in England beyond his current contract, aiming to qualify for a British passport, according to former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana. Awoniyi joined Forest in June 2022 for a club-record 拢17m. Olofinjana, who discovered Awoniyi as a teenager and has guided his career, stated that the striker intends to remain in England long enough to secure British citizenship. Under UK immigration rules, Awoniyi needs five continuous years of living and working in England to be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain ILR, which he could apply for in July 2027. After holding ILR for 12 months, he could then apply for British citizenship, potentially obtaining a British passport around July 2028, provided immigration rules do not change. This timeline aligns with his long-term plans at Forest, making a move outside England unlikely before then. Awoniyi has scored 21 goals and provided five assists in 90 league appearances for Forest across four Premier League seasons. He recently participated in the club's training camp in Spain under new manager Oliver Glasner and captained a friendly match against Blackburn Rovers, where he also scored.