🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Nigeria's Falconets seek U-20 World Cup qualification against Malawi
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Nigeria's Falconets are in Lilongwe, Malawi, to play their U-20 World Cup qualifier, holding a two-goal advantage over Malawi. The Falconets won the first leg 2-0 in Ikenne-Remo, with goals from an own goal by Maureen Kenneth and a strike by Kindness Ifeanyi. Head coach Moses Aduku stated his team is fully prepared for the match, emphasizing the players' understanding of its importance. Malawi coach Maggie Chombo expressed confidence in her team's ability to overturn the deficit at home. The Falconets have a consistent record in the tournament, having appeared in every edition since 2002, reaching the final twice and the semi-finals once. They advanced to this final round after defeating Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate and Senegal 3-1 on aggregate. Other qualifiers include Ghana playing Uganda in Kampala and Cameroon facing Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, while Benin Republic hosts Ivory Coast.
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Onyema Ekpenyong, a Lagos-based businessman, is appealing for the return of his elder brother, Andrew Ekpenyong's, body from South Africa. Andrew, a mechanic, relocated to South Africa in 2007 and was found dead in a mortuary after police reportedly searched his home. According to Onyema, Andrew received a phone call on a Sunday evening, went out, and never returned. Later that night, policemen searched his house, but his girlfriend and apprentice, who were present, stated nothing incriminating was found. The next morning, Andrew's associates were directed to a government mortuary where his body was found. The police claimed he died after falling while jogging, but witnesses reported seeing traces of handcuffs and wounds on his body, suggesting he was beaten to death. Onyema spoke with Andrew's girlfriend and apprentice, noting their answers were suspicious. Andrew's wife and children were not living with him at the time. The Nigerian community in South Africa has issued a press statement demanding a comprehensive investigation and an autopsy, but no arrests have been made. Onyema's mother, who last spoke with Andrew in March when he promised to visit Nigeria in December, is distraught. The family is seeking assistance from both the Nigerian and South African governments to bring Andrew's killers to justice and facilitate the return of his remains to Nigeria for burial.
With only two games left in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season, the title race is intensely competitive, primarily between Enugu Rangers and Rivers United. Eight-time champions Rangers currently lead the table with 62 points from 36 matches, while Rivers United are close behind with 61 points. Rangers recently regained control with a 2-0 win over Bayelsa United. Rivers United, despite having previously held a seven-point lead, remain confident, with coach Finidi George stating the title is still within reach after their 3-0 victory against Abia Warriors. Rangers coach Fidelis Ikechukwu has also emphasized the importance of his team's mentality. The narrow point difference means any slip-up could be decisive. Beyond the top two, Ikorodu City, with 58 points, and Shooting Stars, with 57 points, are mathematically still in contention, making it a theoretical four-horse race, though their chances depend on the top teams faltering significantly. The final two rounds promise a dramatic conclusion to the season.
Beauty entrepreneur and bridal make-up artist, Dagana Blessing, created the DB Experience to empower young women with practical skills, mentorship, and business knowledge for Nigeria's beauty industry. The event attracted over 200 participants, focusing on bridal makeup training, branding, professionalism, and career development. Dagana's inspiration stemmed from a desire to provide opportunities for creatives lacking mentorship and industry guidance, noting that many talented makeup artists struggle with visibility and business growth. Participants received practical bridal makeup techniques, live demonstrations, and mentorship. Some attendees were selected for a three-month mentorship program. Dagana emphasized the importance of professionalism and discipline, stating that talent alone is insufficient for long-term success. She highlighted a gap between talent and structure in the bridal beauty industry, stressing the need for understanding branding, client management, and consistency. Plans are underway to expand The DB Experience through mentorship programs, collaborations, and empowerment initiatives for young creatives across the country.
Residents of Oke-Popo, a densely populated community on Lagos Island, are grappling with a severe lack of access to clean and affordable water. Many families depend on expensive water vendors and unreliable borehole sources, which often yield salty and unsafe water. Muhammed Ishola, a resident, highlighted the long-standing issue of scarce and often salty water, noting that privately sourced water is frequently discolored. The cost of water varies by floor level, with those on upper floors paying up to N4,000 for 14 kegs, significantly impacting household expenses. Another resident, Oluwaseyi Bello, recalled a time when tap water was readily available but now boreholes produce contaminated water, forcing residents to buy sachet water for cooking and drinking. An elderly widow, Alhaja Biliki, lamented the rising cost, stating that vendors prioritize wealthier customers, leaving low-income residents struggling. Water vendors, like Musa and Abdullahi Sani, profit from the scarcity, with some earning up to N25,000 daily by transporting water from Obalende. A community leader mentioned that philanthropists occasionally donate water, leading to rushes and long queues. Geologist Dr. Yusuf Jimoh explained that salty water in boreholes is due to Lagos Island's low-lying sedimentary environment, where boreholes often tap into saline or brackish aquifers instead of deeper freshwater layers. He emphasized the need for proper hydrogeological surveys and improved borehole design. Public he