🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Opposition parties reject joint presidential ticket after Ibadan summit
via Punch Nigeria13 min read
Several political factions, including segments of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, African Democratic Congress ADC, Accord Party, and Labour Party, have disavowed the recent Ibadan opposition summit, stating it does not reflect their official positions. These groups reiterated their intentions to independently field candidates against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. The PDP National Working Committee, supported by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, claimed that prominent opposition figures were misled by "impostors" who organized the summit. Both factions of the ADC, led by Kingsley Ogga and Nafiu Gombe, denied involvement, while the Accord Party threatened legal action for unauthorized use of its name. The Labour Party's Interim National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, also distanced her party from the summit's agreement to present a single presidential candidate. In response, the All Progressives Congress APC criticized the opposition's actions and condemned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's remarks about "Operation Wetie" during the summit, calling them inciting. The Wike-backed PDP also criticized Governor Makinde's "Operation Wetie" comments. Conversely, the Turaki-led PDP defended Makinde's statements as a caution to the Federal Government regarding potential crises.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Nigeria Olympic Committee NOC has commended the Nigeria School Sport Federation NSSF for successfully organizing the 2nd National School Volleyball Championships, promising ongoing support for future events. The four-day tournament, held at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos, featured 28 teams from various states across Nigeria. Organized by the NSSF in collaboration with the Nigeria Volleyball Federation and backed by the Lagos State Sports Commission, the championships focused on grassroots sports development. Bayelsa and Bauchi states secured the championships, while Adamawa and Oyo states earned bronze medals. NOC President Engr. Habu Gumel praised the event as a platform for developing future athletes, noting the high quality of play and the potential for Nigerian athletes to compete in international games. NSSF President Olabisi Joseph expressed satisfaction with the tournament's success and indicated that the federation will work with the NVBF to identify top talents for the 2026 International School Sport Federation World School Volleyball Championship in China. The championships concluded on Friday, April 24, highlighting the potential of Nigeria's emerging volleyball talent.
Nigeria's U20 women's national team, the Falconets, have completed a three-week training camp in Abuja as they prepare for their FIFA U20 Women's World Cup qualifying match against Malawi. The team will travel to Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, to host the first leg of the final qualifying round on Saturday, May 2. Head coach Moses Aduku expressed confidence in the team's readiness, highlighting their character, determination, and work on tactics, fitness, and cohesion. Team captain Joy Igbokwe called for Nigerian support, stating the team is prepared and focused on making the country proud. The Falconets aim for a strong first-leg advantage as they pursue qualification for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Poland, scheduled for September 5–26. Nigeria has qualified for every edition of the tournament since 2002.
Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella marked his 100th appearance for the club during their 2-1 victory over Köln. The 26-year-old Super Eagles star provided an assist for Patrik Schick's second goal in the derby win. Tella, who received a commemorative plaque, expressed his satisfaction with achieving the milestone in a derby victory. His time at Leverkusen includes being part of their historic unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning campaign three seasons ago. Last season, he recorded four goals and five assists in 39 appearances. The current campaign has been affected by recurring injury problems, leading to speculation about a potential departure. However, the club extended his contract until 2031, demonstrating their long-term confidence in him. Since regaining fitness, Tella has delivered encouraging performances. Leverkusen is currently sixth in the Bundesliga, two points away from a UEFA Champions League spot. On the international front, Tella's inconsistent club minutes have impacted his Super Eagles involvement. He debuted in 2023 but has not yet secured a regular role under coach Eric Chelle. With his form improving, Tella aims to contend for Nigeria's upcoming friendlies in June.
Tyson Fury's manager, Spencer Brown, stated that Fury wants another warm-up fight before facing Anthony Joshua. Fury recently returned to the ring after 16 months, defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov. While Fury claims to have signed his part of a deal for a fight with Joshua, Joshua is reportedly considering a two-fight offer from Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh. This proposed plan would involve Joshua having a tune-up fight in July, potentially leading to a showdown with Fury in November. Brown indicated that Fury's team would prefer another fight before the Joshua bout, possibly in July, which could push the Joshua fight to November or December. Fury's fights are expected to continue being broadcast by Netflix, with whom he has an exclusive partnership. Alalshikh is expected to monitor both fighters' warm-up bouts closely, given past instances where major matchups collapsed after one fighter lost their preparatory fight.