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Invasion threat: Stay off Kogi, indigenes warn anarchists, say ‘consequences won’t be palatable’

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Invasion threat: Stay off Kogi, indigenes warn anarchists, say ‘consequences won’t be palatable’

Youths in Kogi State have warned those they described as agents of enemies of the state to desist from painting the wrong picture to outsiders, saying that the ex governor lives in government house, and any attempt by outsiders or defeated politicians from within to go near the Kogi Government House in the guise of occupying the government house will be vehemently resisted.

The youths, who described those threatening to occupy the Kogi Government House as a faceless group of ethnic jingoists doing the bidding of embattled paymasters, dared anyone to try such and test the popularity of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

Thousands of youths, who are registered member of the Kogi Youths Stakeholder Forum, said this in a joint statement made available to the press on Tuesday by the Coordinator, Comrade Tunde G. Muhammed, and signed in Lokoja by Yunisa Idris, Yusuf Ndako, Idris Kabir, Osovehe Jimmoh, Itoba Momoh, Agali Oluwafemi, Mayowa Williams, Ocholi Idris, Hassan Gambo and Oloruneffa Jegede.

“Our patience has been tested enough, no one should try anything to undermine democracy in Kogi State or the consequences will not be palatable. They will be shocked,” they warned.

The youths condemned the talk of invasion being spread by political actors and echoed by ethnocentric agents of destruction in the state as suspicious and an attack on democracy, saying any further oppression would be met with stiff resistance.

According to them, there is a pending court case that has been adjourned and the illegally obtained warrant of arrest is a subject of appeal as it was obtained against a valid court order.

“This needless noise is clearly persecution taken too far as we, the bona-fide citizens of Kogi State, know that no Governor has performed better than Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello since inception. His successor is riding on this solid foundation to deliver even better dividends,” they said.

“We categorically reject even the thought of disrupting the peace and stability of our state through unlawful occupation. Our dutiful Governor Usman Ododo was duly elected and the current occupier of the Lugard House. Such threat from whatever quarters is an attempt to overthrow democracy and pave way for anarchy.

“We know the voice of Jacob and hand of Esau and warn all those trying to cause chaos because they have lost at the polls, those conniving with enemies of Yahaya Bello outside, to desist. We have been patient enough in the face of the endless persecution and defamation. We will not allow anything that will be counter-productive to the peace, progress, development and well-being of all bonafide residents of Kogi. Our dear State is currently undergoing a critical period of development and consolidation of democratic values.

“It is on this basis that we enjoin all indigenes of our dear state to ignore the empty and baseless threats arising from ethnic jingoists. The Confluence state has witnessed transition from Igala to Igala and heavens did not fall then.

“The transition process from Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello to Governor Usman Ododo has come to stay,” the youths stated.

The Stakeholder, reacting to a statement “by a group that called itself People of Kogi, calling for the ex-governor to be handed over to the EFCC”, said those making that demand were illiterates, who don’t understand the process of law.

“For us in KYSF, we consider this as a joke taken too far. For the sake of clarity, it has become imperative to highlight the achievements of the former Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, during his tenure as governor and his legacies of visionary leadership.

“This is an incontrovertible fact, that under Ex- GYB, Kogi State witnessed significant infrastructural development, improvements in healthcare and education sectors with notable strides in agriculture and youth empowerment. Undoubtedly, his administration’s efforts toward peace and security are commendable and have contributed to the stability we currently enjoy in our dear state today. Whatever haters peddle can’t erase this.

“It is important to clarify that the allegations against His Excellency Yahaya Bello are primarily driven by political opponents who have yet to come to terms with the outcome of the previous election. We firmly believe that these accusations will be proven baseless in due course, and Yahaya Bello will be vindicated.

“To those being misled into tribal politics and manipulated by vested interests, we advise you to stay off Kogi State. We urge all citizens to remain vigilant as we collectively protect the interests of our people. Furthermore, we urge all stakeholders and concerned parties to seek accurate information and refrain from being misled by politically motivated agendas. The legal matters concerning His Excellency Yahaya Bello are being addressed through appropriate channels, and we are confident that justice will prevail.

“In conclusion, we call upon all genuine residents of Kogi State to prioritize peace, unity, and adherence to the law of the land. Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for our state, free from unnecessary strife and division,” the youths stated.

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BREAKING: Super Falcons Miss Out on 2027 World Cup After 2–1 Defeat to Banyana Banyana

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BREAKING: Super Falcons Miss Out on 2027 World Cup After 2–1 Defeat to Banyana Banyana—-Super Falcons hopes of reaching the Women’s World Cup in Brazil have been shattered after South Africa struck twice in Casablanca to end the Super Falcons’ remarkable qualification streak.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will miss the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history after suffering a 2–1 defeat to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a decisive qualification play-off in Casablanca.

The defeat brings an end to Nigeria’s remarkable record of appearing at every previous edition of the Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991. The Super Falcons had been handed another opportunity to keep their qualification hopes alive after their disappointing quarter-final exit at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria entered the contest needing victory to keep their World Cup dream alive, while South Africa faced the same all-or-nothing scenario after also falling at the quarter-final stage of the WAFCON.

The two sides battled through a goalless first half, with neither able to find the breakthrough in a tense encounter at the Moulay Rachid Stadium.

South Africa eventually broke the deadlock after the interval when Thembi Kgatlana found the net in the 56th minute, giving Desiree Ellis’ side a crucial advantage.

The goal forced Nigeria to chase the game, but the Super Falcons struggled to produce a sustained response. South Africa remained dangerous and eventually doubled their advantage through captain Refiloe Jane, who struck in the 77th minute to put Banyana Banyana firmly in control.

Nigeria managed to pull a goal back late in the contest when Christy Ucheibe converted from the penalty spot, giving the Super Falcons renewed hope of completing a dramatic comeback.

However, the equaliser never arrived.

South Africa held on to secure a historic 2–1 victory and, in doing so, ended Nigeria’s extraordinary run of World Cup appearances.

The result is particularly painful for the Super Falcons because the 2026 WAFCON served as part of Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 World Cup. The four semi-finalists earned automatic qualification, while the teams eliminated in the quarter-finals were given another opportunity through continental play-offs.

Nigeria had already surrendered their automatic qualification opportunity after losing 1–0 to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-finals. That defeat sent the 10-time African champions into the play-off route alongside South Africa, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

But the Super Falcons have now suffered another defeat when it mattered most.

For South Africa, the victory represents a major breakthrough in their own qualification campaign. Banyana Banyana will now progress to the inter-confederation play-offs, keeping their hopes of appearing at a third consecutive Women’s World Cup alive.

For Nigeria, however, the consequences are historic.

The Super Falcons had previously never failed to qualify for a Women’s World Cup. Their uninterrupted presence at the tournament had made them the only African women’s national team to achieve such a record.

That run has now come to an abrupt end.

The defeat also caps a hugely disappointing WAFCON campaign for Nigeria. Despite being the defending African champions and the continent’s most successful women’s national team, the Falcons exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage before falling to South Africa in their final World Cup qualification opportunity.

Nigeria’s elimination will inevitably lead to questions surrounding the team’s preparation, tactical approach and performance during the tournament. Coach Justin Madugu had acknowledged before the South Africa clash that his side had another opportunity to rescue their World Cup campaign and promised that the players would give everything to secure victory.

Instead, it was South Africa who delivered when the pressure was greatest.

The Super Falcons’ historic World Cup streak is over, while Banyana Banyana march on with their hopes of reaching Brazil 2027 still alive.

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Romelu Lukaku Joins Fenerbahçe from Napoli in €6m Transfer

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Romelu Lukaku Joins Fenerbahçe from Napoli in €6m Transfer—-The Belgian striker has completed his move to Turkey after Napoli agreed to sell him to Fenerbahçe for a reported €6 million plus bonuses, bringing his two-year spell in Italy to an end.

Romelu Lukaku has completed his transfer from Napoli to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, ending his time in Serie A after the two clubs reached an agreement for the Belgian striker.

The 33-year-old has joined the Istanbul club in a permanent transfer, with Italian media reporting that Fenerbahçe will pay around €6 million, with additional performance-related bonuses potentially increasing the value of the deal. Neither club formally disclosed the financial details of the transfer.

Lukaku’s departure brings an end to a two-year spell with Napoli, where he played an important role in the club’s domestic success. The Belgian joined the Italian side from Chelsea in 2024 and went on to help Napoli secure the Serie A title during the 2024–25 campaign.

His time in Naples was ultimately disrupted by fitness problems during his final season. Lukaku made only seven appearances during the injury-affected campaign, limiting his opportunities before the decision was eventually taken to move him on.

Despite those difficulties, Lukaku leaves Napoli with a league title on his résumé and a reputation as one of Europe’s most experienced centre-forwards. His physical presence, finishing ability and extensive experience at the highest level made him an attractive target for Fenerbahçe as the Turkish club looked to strengthen its attack.

The move also represents a return to Turkey for Lukaku, who has a personal connection to the country. His father, former professional footballer Roger Lukaku, played for Gençlerbirliği in Ankara, meaning the Belgian spent part of his childhood in Turkey. Lukaku described his return as an emotional moment as he begins a new chapter with Fenerbahçe.

Fenerbahçe finished second in the Turkish league last season and are looking to close the gap on their rivals while competing for major honours. Lukaku’s arrival gives the club an experienced attacking option capable of leading the line and providing a significant presence in the final third.

The Belgian international also arrives after featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite Belgium’s eventual exit in the quarter-finals, Lukaku scored three goals during the tournament, demonstrating that he remains capable of making an impact on the international stage.

Before joining Napoli, Lukaku enjoyed successful spells at clubs including Everton, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Chelsea. His most productive period came at Inter, where he helped the Italian side win the Serie A title in 2020–21 before returning to Chelsea.

His move to Fenerbahçe now gives the veteran striker another opportunity to write a new chapter in his career. For Napoli, the transfer allows the club to move on from a player whose final season was heavily affected by injuries, while Fenerbahçe gain an experienced forward as they pursue domestic and European ambitions.

Lukaku’s arrival is expected to generate significant excitement among Fenerbahçe supporters, who will hope the Belgian can rediscover his best form and provide the goals needed to challenge for silverware in Turkey.

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