Friday, July 31, 2026

CAF to Overhaul Rules After AFCON Chaos, Targets Refereeing, VAR

By
Justice Oladapo
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CAF president Patrice Motsepe

The Confederation of African Football has announced sweeping changes to its statutes and regulations, signaling a decisive attempt to restore credibility and strengthen governance across African football following the controversy that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

In an official media statement released after its Executive Committee meeting in Cairo, CAF confirmed that it is implementing “far-reaching changes and improvements” to its regulatory framework, with a strong focus on refereeing standards, VAR operations, and the integrity of its judicial bodies. The reforms come in response to widespread criticism triggered by the handling of the AFCON final, where a contentious decision and subsequent disciplinary ruling sparked a crisis of confidence in the organisation.

CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, acknowledged the need for urgent reform, stating that the changes are designed to rebuild trust in the system. He said the overhaul would “strengthen the trust and confidence in CAF Referees, VAR Operators, Match Commissioners, and in the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board,” underscoring the governing body’s commitment to institutional credibility.

The regulatory reforms are being developed in consultation with leading African and international football legal experts to ensure alignment with global best practices. According to Motsepe, CAF has “taken extensive legal advice” to ensure its statutes meet international standards both on and off the pitch, reflecting a broader effort to professionalise operations and eliminate inconsistencies in decision-making.

A key pillar of the reform agenda is the improvement of officiating across competitions. CAF confirmed it is working closely with FIFA to enhance the training and development of referees, VAR officials, and match commissioners, with the aim of raising performance levels to match global benchmarks.

Beyond officiating, the organisation reiterated its commitment to strengthening governance, transparency, and ethical standards. Motsepe stressed that impartiality within CAF’s disciplinary and appeal structures remains “imperative,” while also warning against favoritism among member associations. He stated that “under no circumstances will any Member Association be treated preferentially,” reinforcing the body’s stance on fairness and equality.

The reforms are also intended to prevent a repeat of the controversial scenes witnessed during the AFCON final, which saw the outcome overturned by CAF’s Appeal Board under existing regulations—an unprecedented decision that has since been challenged at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

While CAF did not disclose detailed amendments to specific rules, the governing body made clear that the regulatory overhaul forms part of a broader institutional reset aimed at safeguarding the integrity of African football and restoring stakeholder confidence.

CAF Leadership Transition: Mosengo-Omba Steps Down as Samson Adamu Takes Interim Charge

By
Kazeem Busari
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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has entered a new phase of leadership transition following the resignation of its Secretary General, Véron Mosengo-Omba, after more than three decades in international football administration.

In a press statement issued in Cairo, Mosengo-Omba confirmed his decision to step down, citing a desire to focus on personal projects after a long career dedicated to advancing the game globally. “After over 30 years of an international professional career dedicated to promoting an ideal form of football that brings people together, educates, and creates opportunities for hope, I have decided to step down from my position as Secretary General of CAF to devote myself to more personal projects,” he said.

His resignation comes amid a period of heightened scrutiny within African football’s governing body, with governance concerns and internal pressures shaping the broader context of his departure. Addressing controversies that had trailed his tenure, Mosengo-Omba maintained that he leaves office with his integrity intact. “Now that I have been able to dispel the suspicions that some people have gone to great lengths to cast on me, I can retire with peace of mind and without constraint, leaving CAF more prosperous than ever,” he stated.

Véron Mosengo-Omba

He also paid tribute to the leadership of CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, as well as colleagues and stakeholders across the continent. “I sincerely thank the CAF’s President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, my teams, and all those who, directly or indirectly, have enabled CAF and organized African football to make real and remarkable progress. Let us hope that the progress made will last and be sustained,” he added.

In response to the vacancy, CAF has appointed Samson Adamu as Secretary General on an interim basis. Adamu will steer the administrative affairs of the organization until a substantive appointment is made at the next CAF General Assembly.

Adamu, a seasoned football administrator who has played key roles within CAF’s competitions and events structure, is expected to provide continuity and stability during the transition period. His interim appointment underscores CAF’s intent to maintain operational momentum while navigating the leadership change.

Mosengo-Omba, who assumed office in 2021 after a distinguished stint with FIFA, had been instrumental in driving administrative reforms and competition management within CAF. However, his tenure was also marked by mounting criticism in recent months, reflecting broader governance challenges within the organization.

Despite the circumstances surrounding his exit, the outgoing Secretary General expressed confidence in the future of African football, emphasizing that the progress recorded during his tenure should be sustained. With Adamu now at the helm in an interim capacity, attention will shift to the next General Assembly, where CAF is expected to chart its long-term administrative direction.

Tinubu at 74: President Thanks Nigerians, Signals Hope Amid Reforms, Global Pressures

By
Fortune Temitope
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support and goodwill as he marked his 74th birthday, using the occasion to reflect on his administration’s reform agenda and the nation’s economic trajectory.

In a personally signed message released on Sunday, the President thanked citizens across the country for their prayers and solidarity, acknowledging the widespread goodwill demonstrated through messages, media tributes, and public gestures.

“Today, as I clock another year in the journey of life, I’m filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity given me to serve this great nation,” Tinubu said. “I want to take this moment to thank Nigerians for their messages, show of love and prayers on the occasion of my 74th birthday.”

He extended appreciation to individuals and groups who marked the occasion through newspaper placements and broadcast messages, noting, “To those who have taken space in newspapers or paid for air time on radio and television to wish me well, I thank you immensely.”

The President also acknowledged close allies and family members, including the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, for their support and kind remarks.

Maintaining a long-standing personal tradition, Tinubu said he opted for a low-key celebration in consideration of the prevailing national mood, even as he reflected on the challenges encountered since the launch of his administration’s reforms.

“As I mark this special day, I am reminded of the challenges we’ve faced since we initiated our reforms,” he said, adding that there are emerging signs of progress. “I’m glad that our sacrifices have not been in vain as we can see some glittering light at the end of the tunnel, despite the temporary setback caused by ongoing Middle East crisis.”

Tinubu emphasised that the gains recorded so far are a collective achievement, crediting both his administration and the Nigerian people. “The credit for the positive outcomes we have achieved does not belong solely to me… We achieved the gains together,” he stated.

Looking ahead to the third anniversary of his administration, the President expressed confidence in the government’s direction and reaffirmed his commitment to tackling the country’s challenges. “As we march towards the third anniversary of our administration, it is my deepest conviction that we shall succeed in building a brighter future for our citizens and future generations,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to remain united and supportive, stressing that sustained collaboration is key to overcoming current difficulties. “Let us continue to work together to build a stronger, prosperous and more resilient nation that will make Nigeria the pride of Africa,” Tinubu added.

The President concluded his message with a light note, saying, “Thank you all, and happy 74th birthday to me,” as he marked another milestone in both his personal life and political leadership.

Delta Police Deny Custody Death Claim, Warn Against ‘False and Misleading’ Reports

By
Laziz Olatunde
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The Delta State Police Command has strongly refuted allegations circulating online that a suspect died in police custody at Ekpan Police Station, describing the claim as false and an attempt to undermine ongoing security operations in the state.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the command dismissed a publication attributed to activist Israel Joe, which alleged that an unnamed suspect died while in custody. The police insisted that no such incident occurred anywhere in the state.

“The Command states unequivocally that the allegation is false, misleading, completely unfounded and an attempt to undermine the effort the command is putting to reduce crime in the state,” the statement read. “At no time did any suspect die in Police custody in Ekpan or any part of the state, as claimed.”

Providing context, the command said the report likely stemmed from a recent coordinated raid carried out between March 25 and 26, targeting identified criminal hideouts in Ughelli and Warri. The operation, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, resulted in the arrest of more than 270 suspects, including individuals linked to drug trafficking and cult-related activities.

Police authorities confirmed that large quantities of illicit drugs were recovered during the operation and that all suspects were properly screened. Those found not culpable were released, while others remain in custody.

“All suspects arrested were duly screened. Those not found wanting or indicted were released, while others are currently in custody, in good condition,” the command stated, reiterating emphatically that “No casualty was recorded.”

The police further condemned what it described as the deliberate spread of misinformation, warning that such actions could erode public trust, mislead citizens, and distract security agencies from ongoing efforts to combat crime.

While acknowledging the role of civic engagement, the command cautioned individuals against disseminating unverified claims under the guise of activism or blogging. It warned that anyone found spreading false information about the police would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, assuring residents that efforts to safeguard lives and property remain unwavering. The public was urged to rely on official communication channels for accurate information and to disregard the disputed report.

Team Nigeria Surge at World Relays Qualifiers as Mixed 4x100m, Men’s 4x400m Seal Spots

By
Kazeem Busari
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Team Nigeria’s campaign toward the 2026 World Relays Championships gathered pace in Botswana, with standout performances at the Lefika International Relays boosting the country’s qualification prospects and global ranking.

Backed by the National Sports Commission and supported by President Bola Tinubu, Nigerian athletes delivered decisive results that have now secured additional qualification slots ahead of the global event scheduled for May.

The mixed 4x100m relay team produced one of the most eye-catching performances of the meet, storming to victory in 41.45 seconds. The result propelled Nigeria from 21st to 12th in the world rankings, comfortably placing the team among the top 24 nations eligible for the World Relays.

Nigeria’s momentum continued in the men’s 4x400m event, where the quartet clocked an impressive 3:02.98 to clinch qualification, further strengthening the country’s representation at the championship.

The performances reflect a broader, strategy-driven push by Nigerian sports authorities to ensure athletes compete at key international meets within the qualification window. Officials say the approach is already yielding measurable gains, with improved rankings and competitive outcomes across relay events.

With these latest results, Nigeria has now secured qualification in three of the six relay categories, putting the country in a strong position ahead of the World Relays. However, attention has already shifted to maximizing remaining opportunities.

In a bid to further bolster qualification chances, the National Sports Commission has approved a request by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for additional participation at the Botswana National Trials. The move is expected to provide remaining relay teams with another opportunity to meet qualification standards.

World Bank Activates Crisis Response as Oil, LNG Prices Jump Sharply

By
Kazeem Busari
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The World Bank Group has raised alarm over the growing economic fallout from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, warning that surging commodity prices and disrupted supply chains are beginning to strain emerging economies.

In a statement released on Saturday, the global lender said several of its client countries have already reached out for support as the crisis begins to ripple across key sectors, including energy, agriculture, and logistics.

“A number of the World Bank Group’s clients in emerging markets have reached out to us as the conflict in the Middle East has started to impact commodity prices and logistics,” the institution said, noting that it is working closely with governments, private sector actors, and regional partners to address the emerging challenges.

The bank disclosed that global markets have reacted sharply to the conflict, with crude oil prices surging by nearly 40 percent between February and March. It added that the cost of liquefied natural gas shipments to Asia has risen by almost two-thirds, while nitrogen-based fertilizer prices jumped by close to 50 percent within the same period.

According to the statement, disruptions to shipping routes have significantly increased transportation costs, while supply risks are spreading beyond energy markets into critical agricultural inputs, raising concerns about food production and inflation in vulnerable economies.

“Shipping route disruptions are increasing costs, and supply risks are spreading from energy into fertilizers and other critical agricultural inputs,” the bank said, highlighting the broadening impact of the crisis.

In response, the World Bank said it is preparing a coordinated intervention to help affected countries manage the economic shock. The institution pledged to deploy a mix of immediate financial relief, policy advisory support, and private sector financing to stabilise economies and protect jobs.

“We are ready to respond at scale — combining immediate financial relief with policy expertise and private sector support for the recovery of jobs and growth,” the statement noted. It added that support would include leveraging existing financing programmes, activating crisis response tools, and deploying fast-disbursing funding instruments tied to sound economic policies.

The bank also said its private sector arms would step in to provide liquidity, trade finance, and working capital to businesses facing disruptions, particularly in import-dependent economies.

While acknowledging that the full economic impact of the conflict remains uncertain, the World Bank cautioned that a prolonged crisis could deepen the challenges, especially if critical infrastructure continues to be affected.

“Clearly, this is an evolving situation and we cannot predict the full range of impacts… the longer this lasts, and the more damage there is to critical infrastructure, the more challenging this will be for our clients,” the institution stated.

Despite the uncertainty, the bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable economies, stressing that its priority is to safeguard the development gains achieved in recent years and help countries navigate the unfolding crisis.

APC Debunks ‘2027 Nomination Form Price List’ as Fake News

By
Laziz Olatunde
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National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka

The All Progressives Congress has dismissed as false a widely circulated report claiming to detail the cost of expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party described the report as “fake” and urged the public to disregard it entirely, stressing that no official decision has been taken regarding the pricing or sale of forms for the next electoral cycle.

“The APC states categorically that the report is FAKE, and did not emanate from the Party,” the statement read. “To be clear, no decision or announcement has been made on the sale or pricing of forms for the 2027 elections. The report is a mere figment of the writer’s mischievous imagination.”

The clarification follows the circulation of what purported to be an official price list for party nomination forms ahead of the 2027 elections, sparking discussions among party members and political observers. The ruling party, however, moved swiftly to distance itself from the claims, insisting that any information regarding its internal processes would be formally communicated through official channels.

The statement, shared publicly by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, further called on the media and the general public to exercise caution and verify information before dissemination, particularly on politically sensitive matters.

“We urge Party members, the media, and the general public to disregard the report in its entirety,” Morka added.

ICPC Releases El-Rufai to Attend Mother’s Burial Amid Legal Questions

By
Kazeem Busari
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Nasir El-Rufai

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has temporarily released former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother.

Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that the former governor was granted temporary release to enable him participate in the burial rites of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who died on Friday while receiving medical treatment abroad.

An official familiar with the development described the move as humanitarian, stating, “He was granted compassionate bail yesterday to bury his mother. That is all I can confirm. It is a sensitive issue.”

El-Rufai had been in ICPC custody since February following his arrest over alleged corruption-related offences, including money laundering, fraud, and abuse of office. He was recently arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna alongside a former aide, where both men pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court had ordered his remand pending the hearing of his bail application, which is scheduled for March 31.

The decision to release him, however, has sparked debate within legal and public circles, particularly regarding whether the anti-corruption agency acted within the bounds of the court’s remand order. Some legal practitioners have questioned the procedure, noting that a defendant held by court order is typically released only with the court’s approval.

The development comes amid an outpouring of condolences to the former governor and his family. President Bola Tinubu and other political figures have expressed sympathy over the loss, describing the late matriarch as a respected figure who lived a meaningful life.

Oluremi Tinubu Meets US Envoy, Pushes Education, Child Welfare Agenda

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu with Charles Harder

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritising education and child welfare as central pillars of national development during a high-level engagement with a United States envoy in Washington.

Tinubu made the remarks while meeting with Charles Harder on the sidelines of the global summit, stressing that the administration of Bola Tinubu is focused on building a strong educational foundation for future generations.

“Promoting education, using every necessary incentive, is one of the pivotal programmes of the Bola Tinubu administration,” the First Lady said, noting that the government is working to establish a durable framework anchored on quality learning.

She disclosed that her office is set to launch a nationwide campaign aimed at improving child nutrition in the coming days, describing it as part of broader efforts to enhance the well-being and development of Nigerian children. Tinubu also emphasised the continued relevance of traditional learning tools, insisting that books must remain a core component of education despite rapid technological advancement. She warned that overreliance on digital platforms could expose students to distractions, particularly from social media, potentially undermining learning outcomes.

The meeting formed part of engagements linked to the “Best Future Generations” initiative, a global programme championed by Melania Trump. The initiative focuses on addressing key challenges affecting children worldwide, including access to nutrition, healthcare, and protection from abuse.

In his remarks, Harder said the discussions were aimed at deepening collaboration on issues affecting Nigerian children. He explained that the initiative seeks to provide coordinated solutions to challenges around food security, health, and child protection on a global scale.

The bilateral engagement took place during the “Fostering the Future Together” Global Summit, which brought together over 45 First Ladies and global stakeholders. The forum also examined the growing influence of artificial intelligence on children and adolescents, with participants exploring both opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies.

Troops Repel ISWAP Assault, Kill 38 Terrorists in Fierce Mandaragirau Battle

By
Kazeem Busari
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Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled coordinated attacks by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province in Mandaragirau, Borno State, killing at least 38 insurgents in a fierce early morning battle.

The attack, which targeted a Forward Operating Base in the Mandaragirau area of Sector 2, occurred on Saturday, March 28, 2026, as terrorists launched what military sources described as a multi-front offensive. However, troops mounted a swift and coordinated counteroffensive, supported by air power, forcing the attackers into a chaotic retreat.

In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, the military confirmed that the troops decisively overpowered the insurgents during the encounter.

“Troops engaged the attackers with a well-coordinated offensive response, forcing the criminals to disorderly withdraw while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support,” Uba said.

He added that follow-up operations along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes dealt further blows to the fleeing fighters. “Subsequent exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes inflicted further losses, eliminating 38 terrorists,” he stated.

Local sources in the area also reported additional casualties among the insurgents. According to residents, more than 30 bodies were sighted along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis extending into the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, a known stronghold for insurgent activity in the North-East.

Security sources confirmed that several weapons were recovered during the operation, although details of the cache have yet to be fully disclosed. The military has continued clearance operations in the area to ensure that remnants of the fleeing insurgents do not regroup.

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