SFAcademy Will produce more Sensational Talents: Ibukun Simon

Mrs. Ibukun Simon, wife of Super Eagles winger Moses Simon and Chief Executive Officer of Simoiben Football Academy, has vowed that her football institution will continue to groom exceptional talents capable of shining on the world stage, just like Nigeria’s emerging defensive sensation, Benjamin Fredrick.

According to a report by Own Goal Nigeria on Friday, October 17, 2025, Mrs. Simon made the pledge while reflecting on the academy’s achievements and the remarkable rise of Fredrick one of its most successful graduates. She stated that Simoiben Football Academy remains committed to discovering, nurturing, and developing future stars who will not only represent Nigeria but also compete at the highest levels of international football.

Fredrick’s story has become one of Nigerian football’s most inspiring success tales in recent years. The 19-year-old defender, who joined Simoiben Academy at the age of 10, rose through the ranks under the mentorship and guidance of the academy’s coaching staff before securing a move to the English Premier League side Brentford. He is currently on loan at FC Dender in Belgium, where he continues to impress with his composure, versatility, and tactical intelligence.

Fredrick’s consistent performances at both club and national levels have earned him recognition as one of Nigeria’s brightest young prospects. Whether deployed as a centre-back or right-back, his strength, positioning, and ability to read the game have drawn comparisons to top European defenders.

Speaking about his journey, Mrs. Simon expressed immense pride in his development and said his progress serves as motivation for other players coming through the ranks at Simoiben Football Academy.

“We have some of the best young players in Nigeria, and many more will likely follow in the footsteps of Fredrick or even better,” she said.

She further highlighted that the academy’s philosophy focuses not only on football skills but also on discipline, education, and character building key attributes she believes are essential for long-term success.

“It’s not just about producing footballers; it’s about producing role models who can represent Nigeria positively anywhere they go,” she explained.

Mrs. Simon also mentioned other promising graduates making waves in Europe, including Emmanuel Michael, who currently plays for LASK Linz in Austria. She noted that Michael’s steady progress is another testament to the academy’s commitment to quality and excellence.

“There is Emmanuel Michael at LASK in Austria as well. The idea is to help as many talented young footballers to achieve their dreams,” she concluded.

The Simoiben Football Academy, founded by Moses and Ibukun Simon, has in recent years gained recognition as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing youth football development centres

.Based in Benin City, Edo State, the academy focuses on identifying raw talents from grassroots communities and providing them with access to structured training programs, international exposure, and mentorship opportunities.

Football analysts have praised the academy for its contribution to grassroots football development in Nigeria, noting that its success stories could inspire other professional players to invest in similar initiatives. With the rise of players like Fredrick, the academy has become a symbol of hope for thousands of aspiring footballers across the country.

Sports observers believe that initiatives like Simoiben Academy could play a major role in reducing Nigeria’s reliance on foreign-born players by developing homegrown talents who can compete globally.

As Mrs. Simon continues to push her academy’s vision forward, she remains confident that the next generation of Nigerian football stars is already emerging from their ranks.

“Our goal is simple to keep producing stars who will represent Nigeria with pride and excellence,” she said with conviction.

Natasha Akpoti : I was not Allowed To Speak

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, expressed that she was not allowed to contribute during the screening of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, who was approved as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

She shared this information on Thursday during a live session on Facebook, providing updates to Nigerians and her constituents about the developments in the Red Chamber.

“I raised my hand, but I was not selected to speak. It’s understandable as the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has the prerogative to choose who speaks. All I wanted to say was that I was impressed with Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan’s credentials. His resume was quite impressive, contrary to the information circulating on social media. Also, this is the first time an indigene of Kogi State has been nominated as the INEC Chairman.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan further highlighted that Professor Amupitan stated his intention to deploy electronic methods, particularly drones, to monitor the elections in 2027.

“The mention of drones caught my attention because, three months ago, while we were illegally suspended, we facilitated the training of 80 individuals in the use of drones, and we provided each of them with DGI drones. The DGI drones are among the best in the world. We appreciate that he is considering using drones for election monitoring, and Kogi Central is ready to provide the list of these 80 individuals so they can partner with the Police Force or INEC.”

Using the September 12, 2025, elections in Nepal, which utilised the Discord application as a reference, Senator Natasha inquired whether it would be better for Nigerians to vote from the comfort of their homes using their National Identification Number (NIN), voter’s card, or Bank Verification Number (BVN) for verification. She argued that this approach would mitigate the risks associated with insecurity and the deployment of election materials to rural areas that endanger lives. She emphasised that embracing technology could also help reduce the high costs of elections, allowing saved funds to be redirected towards healthcare, infrastructure, and other pressing needs for the populace.

“If Nigerians can vote for Big Brother and their votes are protected, we can also implement what Rwanda and other African nations have done. The advantage of going digital is that it would allow Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in voting. Wherever Nigerians are, they can be accredited using their voter’s card and cast their votes. Some platforms are not vulnerable to hacking, which could significantly reduce stress, protect lives, and enable the Nigerian Army to focus on other areas besides securing voters. So, how prepared is Professor Amupitan to embrace full digital voting to avoid wasting time and money on deploying personnel and printing materials for the 2027 elections?”

She expressed her satisfaction with Professor Amupitan’s nomination, despite initially being sceptical due to negative stories about his date of birth and primary education. After reviewing his Curriculum Vitae, she felt reassured about his appointment.

Senate Confirms Amupitan As INEC Chairman

The Senate on Thursday, approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The confirmation of Amupitan followed a screening session by lawmakers in the Senate Chamber during a Committee of the Whole.

Lawmakers asked many questions during the session, which Amupitan responded to.

After the screening exercise, the nominee was permitted to take a bow and exited the Senate chambers with a promise that the decision of the lawmakers would be conveyed to him.

After the exit of the INEC Chairman-designate and entourage, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to restore all floor privileges earlier suspended.

The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader and approved by the lawmakers when it was put to voice vote.

Thereafter Senate President Akpabio approved nomination of Amupitan for appointment as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) when it was put to voice vote.

“The nomination of Joash Ojo Amupitan for appointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission is hereby confirmed,” Akpabio said.

Peter Obi reacts to confirmation of new INEC Chairman

According to Daily Post, Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has expressed his views following the Nigerian Senate’s confirmation of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement released on October 15, 2025, Obi acknowledged the Senate’s decision and emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity and independence of INEC. He urged the newly appointed chairman to uphold the principles of transparency and fairness in the commission’s operations.

Obi’s statement read, “The confirmation of Professor Amupitan is a significant development in our electoral process. However, it is crucial that the commission operates without bias and ensures that every Nigerian’s vote counts. I trust that Professor Amupitan will lead INEC with the utmost professionalism and commitment to democratic values.”

The Senate’s confirmation of Professor Amupitan followed his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The appointment was made in accordance with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and the Senate conducted a screening of the nominee on October 16, 2025.

Professor Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is an academic and legal professional with extensive experience in company law, corporate governance, and evidence law. He succeeded Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who completed his tenure as INEC Chairman.

Obi’s call for a transparent and independent INEC underscores ongoing discussions about electoral reforms and the need for credible institutions in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The confirmation of Professor Amupitan is seen as a step toward strengthening the electoral system, with stakeholders expressing hope for improvements in the conduct of future elections.

Defection Reduces PDP Governors To Eight States

The Peoples Democratic Party has been left with only eight governors following the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and his Bayelsa counterpart, Douye Diri, to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The latest defections have further weakened the opposition party, which had controlled 11 states after the 2023 elections.

With the recent developments, the APC now holds 24 states, while the PDP controls eight.

The Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance and New Nigeria Peoples Party govern one state each.

Mbah announced his defection on Tuesday. His move was immediately welcomed by the APC leadership.

Barely 24 hours later, Diri confirmed his exit from the PDP in Yenagoa, citing “obvious reasons”.

THE EIGHT PDP GOVERNORS REMAINING

As of Wednesday, the governors still in the PDP are:

Adamawa – Ahmadu Fintiri (North-East)
Bauchi – Bala Mohammed (North-East)
Plateau – Caleb Mutfwang (North-Central)
Taraba – Agbu Kefas (North-Central)
Zamfara – Dauda Lawal (North-West)
Oyo – Seyi Makinde (South-West)
Rivers – Siminalayi Fubara (South-South)
Osun – Ademola Adeleke (South-West)

Some of the governors, including Taraba’s Agbu Kefas, have been the subject of defection rumours, though none have been confirmed.

Professionally Makinde Seniors Governor Dave Umahi In Records

The recent public dispute over professional seniority between two prominent Nigerian governors has been unexpectedly settled by a leading human rights lawyer, who has presented documented evidence contradicting earlier claims. The controversy began following a televised interview featuring Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, which sparked a heated exchange with the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

The verbal clash escalated when Minister Umahi, the former Governor of Ebonyi State, explicitly advised Governor Makinde to “keep mute” during the ongoing debate, asserting his own seniority within the engineering profession as the basis for his authority to speak on the matter. This assertion was widely reported and accepted by many observers, framing the disagreement as one in which the Minister held the professional high ground.

However, the narrative was fundamentally challenged by Chidi Odinkalu, a respected human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission. Through a post on his official X handle on Monday, October 13, 2025, Odinkalu presented a factual counter-argument that stunned many following the affair. Contrary to the Minister’s public claim, Odinkalu revealed that official records show Governor Seyi Makinde is, in fact, the senior engineer.

According to the documentation shared by the lawyer, Governor Makinde became a registered member of the engineering profession in the year 2002. In contrast, David Umahi was registered three years later, in 2005. This evidence establishes a clear timeline, granting the Oyo State governor a three-year professional seniority over the federal minister. Odinkalu’s intervention has since shifted the public discourse, turning a war of words into a matter of verifiable public record and demonstrating the importance of factual verification in political and professional disputes.

2026 World Cup: Super Eagles to face Gabon in Play Off

Nigeria will take on Gabon in the semi-finals of the African section of the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs, following the conclusion of the qualifying group matches on Tuesday, PUNCH Online reports.

The Super Eagles booked their place after a 4–0 victory over Benin earlier in the day, while Gabon confirmed second place in Group F with a 2–0 win against Burundi and Ivory Coast’s thumping of Kenya to win the group.

DR Congo also sealed their qualification with a narrow 1–0 win over Sudan to finish runners-up in Group B behind Senegal, with Cameroon joining them after placing second in Group D behind Cape Verde.

The play-offs, which will feature the four best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups, are scheduled to take place in Morocco from November 13 to 16.

Nigeria, expected to remain the highest-ranked African side among the four when FIFA releases its updated rankings on October 23, will face the lowest-ranked team among the four, Gabon.

Cameroon and DR Congo will contest the other semi-final.

Both semi-finals will be played on November 13, with the winners meeting three days later in a single-leg final.

The overall winner will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026 for a chance to qualify for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The matches will be played as single-leg knockouts in a venue to be determined by CAF later.

If tied after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time will follow, and if the scores remain level, a penalty shoot-out will decide the winner.

Morocco will host the mini-tournament, which gives Africa an additional opportunity to secure a place at the expanded 48-team World Cup.

All nine African group winners have already qualified directly for next year’s finals, while the play-offs will determine whether the continent can add one more representative through the inter-continental route.

Osimhen Destroyed My Team: Gernot Rohr

Benin Republic coach, Gernot Rohr, has admitted mixed emotions after watching Victor Osimhen — a player he once discovered — score a stunning hat trick.

According to a report by Own Goal Nigeria on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the Nigerian striker’s brilliance powered a 4–0 demolition of Rohr’s team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday.

Speaking to owngoalnigeria.com after the match, Rohr acknowledged the gulf in quality between the two sides but took pride in Osimhen’s remarkable growth since his teenage years.

The veteran German tactician, who once managed the Super Eagles, revealed that he was the one who first handed Osimhen his senior team opportunity

“When I brought Osimhen in the team, he was 17, and we made here our first game against Tanzania, and he was already in our selection,” Rohr told Owngoalnigeria.com.

However, pride quickly turned to pain as his former protégé delivered a ruthless performance against Benin.

“I am very happy to see him like that, but I’m not happy that he did it against me and again,” Rohr said with a wry smile.

“I hope that he will do it in the playoffs for your country, which I love. But today, we are a little bit disappointed because the dream to go to the World Cup for us is finished.”

Rohr admitted that the defeat effectively ends Benin’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria’s emphatic victory keeps their qualification hopes alive, while Benin’s campaign now turns toward rebuilding for the future.

Tiwa Savage: I Actually Had Saloon Confrontation With Seyi Shay

As reported by Punch, Nigerian music icon Tiwa Savage has broken her silence on her long-running feud with fellow Afro beat artist Seyi Shay, revealing new details about their infamous 2021 salon confrontation and the reasons behind their fallout.

During an interview on the Off Air podcast hosted by Gbemi O and Toolz, Tiwa opened up about the true cause of their dispute, which had remained largely unclear until her recent comments.

According to the Somebody’s Son hitmaker, the disagreement began after Seyi Shay released a diss track and circulated unfounded allegations that Tiwa had been blocking opportunities for other female musicians.

Tiwa dismissed those claims, maintaining that she has always advocated for women in the entertainment industry. She said the accusations were completely untrue and emotionally distressing.

“If someone wrongs me, I’ll let them know directly. I don’t pretend everything is fine in public. You can’t release a diss track about me and then expect me to smile at you in a salon,” Tiwa remarked.

Her remarks revisited the viral video of their heated exchange in a Lagos salon, where she refused Seyi’s friendly gesture due to their unresolved differences. Until now, Tiwa had stayed silent about the deeper context of that incident.

Tiwa clarified that her response was rooted in honesty, not hostility. “I’m not one to fake relationships. I prefer to address issues face-to-face instead of pretending,” she said, noting that being genuine is a core value in both her personal and professional life.

Reaffirming her dedication to female empowerment, Tiwa added, “I’ve never tried to hold anyone back. I’ve always supported women in music because I understand how challenging it is. Hearing those false things about me was painful.”

I’m Still Missing My Daughter After A Decade of Marriage: Charly Boy

Veteran Nigerian entertainer and social activist, Charly Boy, has amused social media users with a humorous post about his daughter and her husband. The outspoken entertainer, known for his eccentric personality and family devotion, took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account to share a photo of the couple while reflecting on their marriage that clocked ten years.

In the post, Charly Boy fondly described his son-in-law as a “handsome man” married to one of his “beautiful princesses.” He then jokingly confessed that he is still trying to recover from the day his son-in-law married his daughter a decade ago. The entertainer playfully added that he continues to watch his son-in-law with “corner corner eyes,” suggesting that, like many fathers, he still finds it difficult to fully let go of his daughter even after years of marriage.

Charly Boy’s post read: “This is my handsome in-law, married to one of my beautiful princesses. I’m still looking at him with corner corner eyes, trying to recover from him taking my baby 10 years ago.”

The post quickly went viral, sparking a range of reactions from fans and followers. Some social media users congratulated the couple on their ten-year journey together, praising the evident love and happiness in their marriage. Others humorously sympathized with Charly Boy, teasing him that he was only experiencing what his own in-laws must have gone through when he married their daughter