Nigeria’s Super Eagles reignited their World Cup hopes on Tuesday evening after a resounding 4-0 victory over Benin Republic, led by a spectacular hat-trick from star striker Victor Osimhen at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Heading into the final Group C clash in third place, the Eagles needed an outright win to stay in contention for a 2026 World Cup spot, while the Beninoise Squirrels only required a draw to advance.

Determined to turn the tide, Head Coach Eric Chelle fielded a strong starting lineup featuring Nwabali, Fredrick, Sanusi, Ndidi, Ajayi, Osimhen, Chukwueze, Adams, Simon, Iwobi, and Bassey, urging his side to go to “war.”

The hosts took early control when Osimhen raced past his markers to convert a Chukwueze pass, giving Nigeria the lead. The combination proved lethal again as Osimhen struck a second in the 37th minute, once more assisted by Chukwueze.

Barely six minutes into the second half, the Galatasaray forward completed his hat-trick, putting the game beyond Benin’s reach. Substitute Frank Onyeka sealed the emphatic win with a stoppage-time goal in the 90th minute.

The result lifted Nigeria to second place in Group C with 17 points, tied with Benin but ahead on goal difference—keeping the nation’s qualification hopes alive as one of the potential best second-placed teams.

Meanwhile, South Africa secured automatic qualification after defeating Rwanda 2-0 at the Mbombela Stadium to top the group with 19 points.

The emphatic victory in Uyo not only reaffirmed Osimhen’s importance to the squad but also rekindled national optimism ahead of the final phase of the qualification process.

Three members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives from Kaduna State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers — Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South), Aliyu Mustapha (Ikara/Kubau), and Sadiq Ango-Abdullahi (Sabongari) — announced their defection through separate letters read on the floor of the House by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Tuesday’s plenary.

In their letters, the lawmakers attributed their decision to what they described as “the lingering crisis in the PDP” and the need to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Ahmed, in his letter addressed to the PDP Chairman, Makera Ward, Kaduna South Local Government Area, said his decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents, political allies, and stakeholders.

He stated:

“The constant internal conflicts and factionalism within the PDP, which have climaxed into an elongated party crisis, are undesirably impacting my ability to effectively represent my constituency and accomplish my obligations optimally.

In view of the enduring situation and after a wide consultation with my constituents, key stakeholders and my political allies, I have come to the tough but needed decision to resign my membership of the PDP.

This decision is driven by my commitment to continue serving my good people of Kaduna South Federal Constituency, beyond partisan lines, ensuring that all my constituents benefit from purposeful, inclusive, and effective representation.”

He expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunity to serve under its platform, acknowledging the “support, trust, and experiences” gained during his time with the party.

The defections further deepen the wave of political realignments in the country as more lawmakers shift allegiance to the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

More to come…

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Professor Joy Angela Ogwu, has passed away at the age of 79.

Ogwu, a distinguished scholar and diplomat, served as Nigeria’s representative to the United Nations from May 2008 to May 2017. During her tenure, she twice presided over the UN Security Council — first in July 2010 and again in October 2011 — where she championed causes of global peace, disarmament, and international cooperation.

Before her UN appointment, Ogwu was the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), where she made groundbreaking contributions to the evolution of Nigeria’s foreign policy and the study of international relations.

Reacting to her passing, President Bola Tinubu described her death as a “great national loss.”

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president said:

“Nigeria has lost a trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work. Professor Ogwu projected Nigeria’s voice with clarity and purpose and worked tirelessly for global peace, disarmament, international security, and the advancement of women’s rights.”

Tinubu extended his condolences to her family, including her five children, grandchildren, and siblings, as well as to the diplomatic and academic communities that benefited from her decades of service.

Ogwu’s legacy remains firmly rooted in her dedication to public service, international diplomacy, and scholarly excellence, making her one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in global affairs.