Dour Nigerians and six other individuals have been sentenced to a total of 55 years in prison by the Kingston Crown Court for their involvement in a violent phone-robbery syndicate that terrorised several stores across London.

The Nigerians identified as David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole were members of a ten-man gang that also included James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.

According to a statement released by the UK Metropolitan Police, the gang executed 13 robberies between September and November 2024, mainly targeting EE mobile phone stores. They were said to have used threats of violence to intimidate staff into granting access to secure stockrooms, where they carted away high-end mobile devices and accessories valued at approximately £240,000.

Investigators linked the suspects to the robberies through DNA evidence, call data, and vehicle tracking records. On November 19, 2024, police officers apprehended four members of the group during a robbery at an EE outlet in Kilburn. Subsequent searches of properties associated with the suspects led to the recovery of stolen goods and other incriminating materials.

All ten members of the syndicate were formally charged, and eight of them pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025. The Kingston Crown Court delivered its final judgment on Friday, November 7, 2025, handing down various prison sentences that collectively totalled 55 years.

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has shared a video on social media showing the condition of the hotel accommodation provided for the Nigerian national team in Morocco ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off match against Gabon.

The video, which has since gained attention online, captured the surroundings of the hotel in Rabat, sparking reactions from fans and sports enthusiasts over the standard of facilities arranged for the team.

According to PUNCH Online, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is responsible for arranging accommodation for participating countries during international tournaments. However, it is understood that national football federations, including the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), have the right to raise concerns or request alternative lodging if the facilities fall below expected standards.

This latest development is not an isolated incident. Earlier in the year, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade publicly criticised the quality of rooms provided by CAF during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, also hosted in Morocco. Her remarks reignited debates about the treatment of African teams during continental tournaments.

The Super Eagles are expected to face Gabon in the crucial African play-off on November 13 in Morocco as they bid to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match is seen as a vital step in Nigeria’s campaign to return to the global football stage after missing out on the last edition.

As of press time, neither CAF nor the NFF had issued an official statement in response to Iwobi’s video or the concerns raised about the team’s accommodation.

Iwobi, who plays for Fulham FC in the English Premier League, joined the team’s training camp in Rabat earlier in the week alongside several other early arrivals. The camp opened with 10 players, as preparations intensified under the supervision of head coach Finidi George.

The incident has sparked renewed discussion among Nigerian fans about the welfare of national players and the logistics provided for international matches. Many have called on the NFF to immediately intervene and ensure better conditions for the team before the crucial fixture.

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has been nominated for the 2025 CAF Men’s African Player of the Year award.

The Nigerian forward is among ten top footballers shortlisted for the prestigious honour in a list released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday.

Other nominees include Mohamed Salah of Egypt, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Oussama Lamlioui, as well as Seyrou Guirassy of Guinea. Also on the list are Fiston Mayele of Congo, Frank Anguissa of Cameroon, Denis Bouanga of Gabon, and the Senegalese duo Illmane Ndiaye and Pape Sarr.

Osimhen, who clinched the award in 2023, was instrumental in Galatasaray’s league triumph last season, scoring 26 goals to help the club secure the title. His outstanding form prompted Galatasaray to sign him permanently from Napoli in a record €75 million deal, the most expensive in Turkish football history.

The striker also played a vital role in Nigeria’s qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup playoffs, netting six goals in as many matches for the Super Eagles.

In other categories, Stanley Nwabali was nominated for the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, competing against Yassine Bounou, Ronwen Williams, and Andre Onana.

Similarly, Daniel Bameyi, captain of the Flying Eagles, made the shortlist for the Men’s Young Player of the Year award.

Last week, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo of the Super Falcons were also announced among the contenders for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year honour.