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Adepoju: FIFA’s Sanction on South Africa Doesn’t Guarantee Super Eagles Advantage

Phinadon Mag

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Mutiu Adepoju says FIFA’s points deduction against South Africa does not significantly help Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who must win their last two World Cup qualifiers to stand a chance.

Former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju has downplayed the impact of FIFA’s points deduction against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, insisting it does not significantly boost the chances of the Super Eagles in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA’s Sanction

On Monday, FIFA’s disciplinary committee stripped South Africa of three points in their World Cup qualifying campaign after finding them guilty of fielding an ineligible player, midfielder Teboho Mokoena, in a 2-0 win over Lesotho in March.

Mokoena, who should have been suspended after receiving two cautions in previous Group C matches, was instead fielded. As a result:

  • Lesotho were awarded a 3-0 victory.
  • South Africa were fined $12,536.04.
  • Mokoena received a warning.

The ruling leaves Benin Republic top of Group C on goal difference, level with South Africa on 14 points, while Nigeria sit in third place with 11 points and two games left to play.

Adepoju’s Reaction

Speaking in an interview with Completesports.com, Adepoju said the deduction does little to change Nigeria’s situation:

What Lies Ahead

  • South Africa will face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final two qualifiers.
  • The Super Eagles will travel to face Lesotho before hosting Benin Republic in Uyo.

Only the group winners qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while runners-up will have a chance to progress through the playoff route.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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