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Police probe alleged murder of fresh UNIBEN graduate

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Police probe alleged murder of fresh UNIBEN graduate

The Edo State Police Command says it has begun an investigation into the alleged murder of a graduate of the University of Benin, Glory Adekolure, by yet-to-be-identified persons.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, disclosed this in a telephone conversation with According Metro on Tuesday.

Adekolure was said to have gone to school (UNIBEN) for her final clearance on June 13, 2024, but her remains were found close to her house.

Sharing details about the incident, the lady’s brother who identified as @softbaba had taken to X.com to demand justice for her, stressing that she was returning home from school when the incident happened.

He claimed she was beaten, raped, and killed in the Iyowa community area of Benin, the Edo State capital and her remains were dropped close to their house.

In a series of posts on X.com on Monday, the user sought help from Nigerians, particularly the police to unravel the mystery surrounding her death.

He wrote, “Justice for my younger sister Adekolure Idowu Glory, who was raped and killed in lyowa community, Benin, Edo State on her way back from school (UNIBEN). She went for her clearance and her corpse dropped close to her mother’s house.

“Help us seek justice for my kid sister that just graduated from the University of Benin in April 2024 and still processing her projects and clearance and was raped to death on her way back from school on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at just 22 years.

“Her lifeless body was deposited at UBTH mortuary on 15/6/24 with the help of the Nigeria Police from Ekhiadolor Division. She was beaten, raped, and killed. Please Nigerians, come to my rescue. The help I need now is just for my innocent sister, my mum can’t hold herself. Please everyone should help me to retweet and tag those that can help me get justice.”

Responding to inquiries from our correspondent in a telephone conversation, Nwabuzor noted that the police had commenced an investigation into the matter.

He however did not disclose if any arrest had been made in connection with the incident, stating that the nature of the investigation did not allow for such a disclosure.

Nwabuzor said, “We have commenced an investigation into the matter to unravel the circumstances behind her death. Because of the nature of the incident and so as not to jeopardise the ongoing investigation, I can’t disclose to you if any arrests have been made.

“We will continue to investigate and we will update members of the public of the development soonest.”

When contacted for a reaction, the spokesperson for the University of Benin, Benedicta Ehanire, said she was not aware of the incident.

“I am just knowing about the incident. I will inquire from the Dean of Students,” she said.

Worry as NCAA acting DG tenure expires

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Worry as NCAA acting DG tenure expires

There is disquiet among the staff members and management of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority as well as in the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development over the decision of who becomes the substantive director-general of the aviation regulatory agency.

 There has been tension within the NCAA over the past six months, due to a leadership dispute between Captain Musa Nuhu, who was appointed substantive director-general of the NCAA by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, and Captain Chris Najomo, who was appointed as acting DG of the agency by President Bola Tinubu in January 2024.

Until his appointment, Nuhu, pilot, safety expert, quality assurance lead auditor, and artificial intelligence expert, was Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

 Nuhu had worked at various times at the defunct Nigeria Airways, Aero Contractors and Petrowest, among other organisations.

He holds an MSc. in Aviation Business from Concordia University and was in the Presidential Air Fleet as a captain and a safety officer. He also has a Diploma in Aviation Safety from the University of Southern California.

 On December 13, 2023, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development announced the suspension of Nuhu as the DG of the NCAA over alleged corrupt practices.

 The ministry, in a release, noted that Nuhu would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation.

The ministry named Najomo as Nuhu’s successor in an acting capacity for six months.

 Six months after the suspension, an update on his probe was yet to be made public.

 Efforts to get the official state of the investigation from the spokesperson of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, proved abortive, as he neither picked up repeated calls from our correspondent nor responded to text messages of inquiry on the matter.

 A top member of staff in the NCAA, who spoke under anonymous conditions over fear of getting reprimanded, hinted to The According that he was not sure that Nuhu was caught in the web of any form of corrupt practice.

“He was only in his travail because the minister must install loyal lieutenants in the agencies under his office, one of which was the NCAA,” the source stated.

 But, six months after his suspension from office, it was learned that Nuhu’s refusal to resign had been blocking the attempt to confirm Najomo as a substantive DG.

 Meanwhile, Najomo’s first six months in office expired on June 13.

When asked if the ministry had communicated the next move to the NCAA, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Aviation, Tunde Moshood, assured that the ministry would do the necessary thing.

 “The real expiration is still in a few days and the next thing will be done, that you can be assured of. The minister has been away for a while; he just returned and I know he will act as appropriate,” he noted.

 Part IV of the NCAA Act 2022 stated, “The Director-General of Civil Aviation could only be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the minister, subject to confirmation by the Senate.”

 The Act also said that the director-general could be appointed for a term of five years in the first instance and may be re-appointed for a further term of five years.

 Section 3 of the Act added that the substantive director-general could only be removed from office by the President subject to confirmation by the Senate only when he is of unsound mind, absent from five consecutive meetings of the board without the consent of the chairman, unless he shows good reason for such absence and guilty of serious misconduct.

 The leadership tussle in the NCAA  has caused division in the agency, as some believed that the recusing of Nuhu was unjust, others stood with the acting DG, praying that he be confirmed as a substantive DG.

 The According also gathered that some senior staff members of the agency and non-staff members were already jostling for the seat of the NCAA DG.

Revenue-generating agencies owe FG over N3tn – FAAC

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Revenue-generating agencies owe FG over N3tn – FAAC

The Federal Government could face a potential loss of N2.97tn and $36.33m if revenue-generating agencies in the country do not reconcile unremitted earnings collected, The According has learnt.

The figure owed by an unnamed number of agencies as of April 2024 was revealed during the Federal Account Allocation Committee. Our correspondent obtained the minutes of the meeting on Monday.

The Vice President of the Post-Mortem Sub-committee representing the committee Chairman, Kabir Mashi, at the meeting, said the outstanding amounts were still being reconciled with the relevant agencies at the monthly reconciliation meeting

The minute read in part, “Outstanding Federation Account Revenue Arising from Inter-Agencies Reconciliation Meeting Held in April 2024: The Vice Chairman, PMSC reported that the total unresolved amount due to the Federation Account from the reconciliation meeting held with the Revenue Generating Agencies in April 2024 was $36,329,376.24 and N2,977,561,881,021.29.”

He disclosed that all other outstanding amounts from the RGAs before June 2023 were referred to the Stakeholders Alignment Committee and PMSC was awaiting the outcome of the reconciliation.

Commenting, the Chairman of the Commissioners’ Forum and Finance Commissioner, Ekiti State,  Akintunde Oyebode, commended the PMSC for the effort in the recovery of outstanding funds belonging to the Federation Account and informed that the sub-nationals were feeling the impacts of the recovery.

The Federation Account Allocation Committee disburses allocations from the revenues generated into the Federations Accounts, which comprise multiple accounts specific to a sector/ business type.

The bulk of the revenue shared at FAAC meetings by the federal, state, and local governments are earnings from oil exports, taxes, and other statutory allocations.

Under the current revenue-sharing formula, the Federal Government gets 52.68 per cent of the revenue, states 26.72 per cent, and local governments 20.60 per cent.

The fund which is arguably the major source of revenue for most states is to ensure development at different levels of government and also to enable the states and LGs to meet their obligations.

Man jailed 45 months for stealing fan, drum set

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Man jailed 45 months for stealing fan, drum set

An Ekiti State Magistrate Court, Ado Ekiti Division has sentenced a middle-aged man, Saidu Abass, to 45 months imprisonment for stealing household items including a fan, iron and drum set from a house.

Abass was arraigned before the court on four counts of conspiracy, breaking into a dwelling house, stealing and escape from lawful custody.

According to the charge, the offences committed by the defendant and others at large are punishable under Sections 421, 323, 302, and 120(b) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

The charge stated that “Abass, one Emmanuel and others now at large on 15th May, 2024 at 5pm conspired and unlawfully entered the dwelling house of one Mrs Ademurele Bamidele located behind a gospel church at Agric Olope in Ado Ekiti.

“During the operation, the convict and his accomplices stole an Ox fan, fridge engine, palm oil, fan switch, drum set, iron, microphones, extension socket and table bell.

The prosecutor, Inspector Raymond Osas, said, “The defendant and others now at large were seen in action at the scene. While he was arrested, others escaped with the stolen properties.

“He was taken to the police station where he escaped from lawful custody under a woman police. After thorough search, he was rearrested on June 4, 2024 and later arraigned that day.

The prosecutor urged the court to give the defendant his deserved punishment for the offence committed.

The defendant (Abass), who had no legal representation, pleaded guilty when the charge was read, interpreted and explained to him.

In the judgment delivered on Thursday and made available on Tuesday, Magistrate Olatomiwa Daramola said, “The defendant, having pleaded guilty and admitted to the commission of the offence of conspiracy, breaking into a dwelling house, stealing and escape from a lawful custody, this court is left with no option than to sentence him upon his earlier conviction by this court”.

The magistrate, in the verdict, said, “For conspiracy, he (the defendant) is sentenced to three months imprisonment with N2,000 option of fine; one year imprisonment for breaking into a dwelling house with N3,000 option of fine; two years imprisonment for stealing with N5,000 option of fine and six months imprisonment for escape from lawful custody with N2000 option of fine.

“The terms are to run concurrently while the fines are to run consecutively”, Daramola said.

FG offers 17 new oil blocks for bidding

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FG offers 17 new oil blocks for bidding

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, announced the addition of 17 deep offshore oil blocks to the 2024 Licensing Round for oil fields in Nigeria.

Recall that some deep offshore blocks were recently put on offer for the 2022/23 mini-bid round and other blocks which cut across onshore, continental shelf and deep offshore terrains were also put on offer for the Nigeria 2024 Licencing Round.

Precisely on May 8, the government invited investors to bid for 12 oil blocks and seven deep offshore assets in the 2024 marginal fields bid round.

Also on June 12, 2024, it was reported that the Federal government had increased the number of oil blocks on offer in the 2024 marginal bid round.

The Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, disclosed this at the pre-bid conference for the 2024 licencing round in Lagos.

Providing updates on the 2022/2023 and 2024 licencing rounds, Komolafe, in a statement he signed and issued in Abuja on Tuesday, said 17 deep offshore blocks have been added to the 2024 Licensing Round.

He said, “In pursuit of the commission’s commitment to derive value from the country’s abundant oil and gas reserves and increase production, the commission has been working assiduously with multi-client companies to undertake more exploratory activities to acquire more data to foster and encourage further investment in the Nigerian upstream sector.

“As a result of additional data acquired in respect of deep offshore blocks, the commission has added 17 deep offshore blocks to the 2024 Licensing Round. Further details on the blocks can be found on the bid portal.”

Komolafe further stated that “by the published guidelines, we had earlier indicated that some of the assets on offer should be applied for as clusters, namely: PPL 300-CS & PPL 301-CS, PPL 2000 and PPL 2001. Bidders are hereby advised that they may, at their option, bid for those blocks as clusters or as single units.”

For clarification, he said bidders should refer to the Frequently Asked Questions Sections of the 2022/23 and 2024 Licensing Round portals, or contact the upstream regulatory agency.

The NUPRC boss also stated that to allow interested investors to take advantage of the expanded opportunities, the 2024 Licencing Round schedule had been amended.

He said, “Registration/submission of pre-qualification documents which was initially scheduled to close on June 25, 2024, has been extended by 10 days and will now close on July 5, 2024.

“Data access/data purchase/evaluation/bid preparation and submission which was initially scheduled to open on July 4, 2024, and close on 29/11/24 will now start on July 8, 2024, and close on 29/11/24 as previously scheduled.

“All other dates in the published 2024 licencing round schedule remain the same unless otherwise communicated.”

He stated that to vacate entry barriers, the commission had sought and obtained the approval of President Bola Tinubu, who, as petroleum minister, approved attractive fiscal regimes and also minimised entry fees for both licencing rounds by putting a cap on the signature bonus payable for the award of the acreages.

“Consequently, it is necessary to ensure that the same bid criteria (in addition to the uniform signature bonus criteria) are applicable for both licencing rounds, to promote transparency and provide a level playing ground for all bidders.

“Since the criteria for the award of the oil blocks are now much more attractive than they initially were during the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round, it is in the interest of equity and fair play to give all investors the same opportunity to bid for the assets,” Komolafe stated.

Based on this, he declared that all blocks in the 2022/23 and 2024 Licencing Rounds were now available to all interested investors the websites developed for the exercise by the NUPRC, adding that the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round registration phase had been reopened to new applicants.

“The public is therefore invited to take advantage of this development and attractive entry terms and conditions and participate in the exercise.

“However, all the pre-qualified applicants published on the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round portal will not be required to go through a new pre-qualification process, as their technical submissions remain valid and eligible even for the 2024 Licencing Round.

“They may, however, wish to re-submit new commercial bids to take advantage of the more attractive criteria applicable to both licencing rounds and revise their bid bonds to adapt to the new bid criteria. They are also free to bid for blocks on offer in the 2024 Licencing Round,” Komolafe stated.

Court orders Arik Air to pay over $24,000 to ex-worker

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Court orders Arik Air to pay over $24,000 to ex-worker

An Industrial Court sitting in Lagos has ordered Arik Air to pay eight months’ salary arrears to an ex-worker, Mrs Andreia Perdigao, after she was wrongfully sacked.

 The Arik air worker approached the court after she was sacked in 2017, having worked for the airline for about three years.

She prayed that the court would order her ex-employer to pay her emoluments of several months, which remained unpaid till the time of filing this report.

 According to a judgment marked SUIT NO.: NICN/LA/532/2017 and obtained by our correspondent, the claimant, who had worked with the airline as an air hostess, was requesting her salaries from December 2016 to March 2017 before she was laid off by the airline.

 The court document put her monthly salary at $2,683.33 and the aggregate of the eight months’ salary at $21,466.64.

 The claimant, however, prayed that the court should mandate the defendant to pay the aggregate of her eight months’ salaries, put at $21,466.64 and N35m for breach of contract, among others.

 Justice M.N. Esowe, in his judgment, affirmed that a contract of employment existed between the claimant and the defendant.

 He added, “It is declared that the defendants are bound to pay to the claimant 8 (eight) months’ arrears of salary for the months of August 2016 through December 2016 and for the months of January 2017 to March 2017 when the 1 Defendant wrongfully terminated the Claimant’s employment with the IM Defendant at the sum of $2,683.33 (Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-three United States Dollars, Thirty-three Cents) per month aggregated at the sum of $21.466.64 USD (Twenty-one Thousand, Four Hundred and Sixty-six ollars, sixty-four cents) for the 8 (eight) month period.

 “The court directs the defendants to pay to the claimant 8 (eight) months salary at the aggregated sum of $21,466.64 (twenty-one thousand, four hundred and sixty-six dollars, sixty-four cents).

 “The sum of $2,683.33 is hereby awarded to the claimant as general damages for breach of contract.

 “The court hereby orders the defendants to pay interest at the rate of 15 per cent on all the judgment sums from the date of delivery of the judgment until the same is fully liquidated.”

The According, however, gathered that the judgment, which was dated May 9, was yet to be effected by Arik Air at the time of filing this report.

 When contacted, the Head of Corporate Communications, Adebajo Ola, told our correspondent that he was not aware of the court ruling.

 “I am not aware of the case. I will need to find out,” Ola said.

 Our correspondent sent the document, including the suit information and suit number, to the Arik publicist as per his request.

Bauchi gov calls for decentralisation of Hajj management

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Bauchi gov calls for decentralisation of Hajj management

The Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, condemning the organisation’s management of the 2024 Hajj exercise.

Mohammed, therefore, insisted that most of the Hajj services must be decentralised in a manner that would allow state governments to take full control of affairs, to ensure adequate welfare of pilgrims who paid through their respective pilgrim’s welfare board.

While interacting with pilgrims from Bauchi State at Mina, the city of tents in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the governor said, “In this year’s Hajj exercise, pilgrims are subjected to untold hardship due to the unfavourable policies introduced by NAHCON and relevant stakeholders, especially the provision of less than $500 as Basic Travelling Allowance to each pilgrim, despite the exorbitant charges of over N8m for a Hajj seat.

“The state governors would work collectively to break the monopoly of Hajj affairs by NAHCON if measures are not taken to address the challenges identified.”

Mohammed, during the visit, announced a donation of 300 Saudi Riyals to each of the 2,680 Bauchi pilgrims as a Sallah gift.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Jalal Arabi, while addressing the state contingents, said “Most of the challenges are beyond the control of the commission. I, therefore, commend all pilgrims for their patience and understanding towards achieving success in the Hajj exercise.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Operations, NAHCON, Prince Anofi Elegushi, on Tuesday, acknowledged the dedication and spiritual commitment demonstrated by Ogun State pilgrims throughout the sacred journey, stressing that their perseverance and devotion were commendable.

He admonished the pilgrims to avoid any actions that might invalidate their Hajj before Allah, stressing the importance of maintaining purity in their deeds and intentions to ensure that their pilgrimage remained accepted and blessed.

“This is a time to reflect on the lessons learned and to carry forward the spiritual uplift gained during Hajj. Your prayers are powerful and necessary for the continued peace and progress of our nation. Let the purity and devotion you have shown during Hajj be a beacon in your everyday life,” he advised.

Responding, the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Hajj 2024 in Ogun State, Sheikh Kehinde Lawal, expressed gratitude for the continuous support and leadership provided by NAHCON.

He assured that the state, through the ad hoc committee, would continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and dedication to ensure all pilgrims adhered to the principles and values of Hajj.

He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his support to the pilgrims during the exercise, especially in the area of welfare, as the state government provided $100 to each of the 934 pilgrims from the state.

Saraki, AbdulRazaq trade words over Ilorin durbar attendance

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Saraki, AbdulRazaq trade words over Ilorin durbar attendance

Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday, said he stayed away from the Ilorin Durbar for peace to reign and out of respect for the Sheikh Alimi throne.

He, however, said the state government, led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, did not want him to attend the Durbar event because of his soaring popularity among the people.

The government, however, countered the statement, which it said was in bad faith, adding that the former Kwara State governor never attended Ilorin Durbar since 2019.

Saraki, a former governor of the state, in a statement by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, said he took the decision not to attend the event after the intervention of prominent Islamic scholars and leaders of the community who appealed to him not cause a breach of peace in the ancient town.

“Saraki, who is the Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin, again restated his love for the Ilorin Emirate community and his commitment to an atmosphere of peace.

“So, for the sake of peace and the highest respect for the throne of Sheikh Alimi, he stayed off the Ilorin Durbar event today.

“Saraki’s decision not to attend was taken after respected traditional titleholders and top Islamic scholars appealed to him not to attend the event.

“This he disclosed after he was briefed that the government of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq does not want him around the festival for their personal and political reasons,” the statement read.

While asserting that AbdulRazaq was jittery that Saraki would steal the show, the statement said the rejection of the AbdulRazaq-led government by the people was because it failed to eradicate poverty.

“We understand that tremendous pressure was put on the Ilorin Emirates Council by the government of the state to stop the Waziri of Ilorin from attending the event. AbdulRazaq is jittery that the former governor, Dr Saraki, will steal the show as usual.

“The rejection of the AbdulRazaq-led government by the people is because it fails to eradicate poverty, provide quality leadership and the inability to deliver on good governance. We implore the governor to sit up and stop blaming Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki for the problem he created for himself and his government.

“Saraki, who is the highest ranked traditional titleholder of Ilorin, is staying away from the traditional festival for peace and orderliness. He is not responsible for the failure of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration and should not be a nightmare or means to cover for the government’s failure,” the statement added.

According to the media aide, the Waziri Ngeri was in a high spirit to join the peace-loving people of the emirate to celebrate the traditional festival, adding, “Regrettably, I wish to announce that for peace and tranquillity, I am staying away from the Durbar celebration this year.”

The government, however, asked Saraki to leave AbdulRazaq out of the predicament he was facing in the state.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said, “Senator Bukola Saraki should leave Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq out of his self-inflicted shame of not being able to hold himself to the standard expected of a statesman, who should exhibit decorum, decency, and good behaviour.

“The governor has repeatedly shown humility and a large heart to accommodate everyone to operate as they wish as bonafide citizens. He is not about to go low because of Senator Saraki’s provocative behaviour and intent to foul the atmosphere with his unstatesmanly conduct at public events.

“Repeatedly, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has demonstrated his belief in politics without bitterness through his all-inclusive politics that addresses the needs of all citizens in the state, irrespective of any differences.

“In a sustained demonstration of his statesmanship and large-heartedness, the governor shook hands with the former Senate president and other opposition politicians at the Ilorin Eid praying ground.”

It added that since the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party by the All Progressives Congress in 2019, Saraki had never attended Durbar and would not see a reason for the sudden change of mind.

“Landslide victories of the 2019 and 2023 elections in Kwara are clear testimonies of how the people of Kwara State have preferred the governor to lead the state. He is thankful to God and to the people for the vote of confidence in his humble leadership.

“Finally, to the best of our knowledge, Senator Saraki has never attended the Ilorin Durbar since 2019. His statement, therefore, reeks of mischief and bad faith, which we leave history to judge,” the statement said.

Italian clubs join Dele-Bashiru race, Lazio yet to seal deal

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Italian clubs join Dele-Bashiru race, Lazio yet to seal deal

Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is yet to undergo medicals at Italian Serie A side, Lazio, contrary to multiple reports that the player is nearing a €7m switch from Turkish side Hatayaspor, According Sports Extra reports.

The 23-year-old has been a subject of transfer speculations since the end of the just-concluded 2023/24 season with more reports emanating from Italy about a medical and talks between the player’s agent to finalise the deal.

However, a close source to the player told According Sports Extra that the stories about the midfielder nearing a switch to the Italian giants were untrue.

“They have not agreed,” our source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because she wasn’t authorised to speak on the transfer, told According Sports Extra.

When According Sports Extra asked Dele-Bashiru if he was eyeing a move to any of the European leagues ahead of next season, he replied, “Hopefully, if it is possible then of course. Now, I think my next step is to try and get into the top five leagues in Europe.”

According Sports Extra understands that Dele-Bashiru wants to join a club that will play in Europe next season and while Lazio, who placed seventh in Serie A last term, will compete in the Europa Conference League next season, other clubs are also bidding for the services of the creative midfielder.

Our source hinted that other Italian clubs were also in the race for the Nigerian.

“They are talking with the agent just as two other Italian clubs are also doing at the moment. What is important is that it has to be a team in any of the UEFA competitions. More importantly, the terms must be right. He hasn’t done any medical with them even though there have been talks between them and his agent.”

Before resuming international duty with Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where he scored a stunning goal in the 1-1 draw against South Africa, the Hatayaspor midfielder revealed that his agent would focus on the transfers after Nigeria’s matches.

Dele-Bashiru, the latest man to wear the Nigeria No.10 jersey made an immediate impact in his first two games for Nigeria, providing an assist and winning a penalty against Mozambique in an international friendly on October 16, 2023, and then scoring a stunning equaliser against South Africa in the 2026 World Cup  qualifiers on his competitive debut earlier this month.

He was, however, injured during the game and couldn’t feature in the second game of the window, a 2-1 defeat against Benin Republic in Ivory Coast.

Last season, he scored eight league goals plus five assists for Hatayspor, helping them escape relegation from the Turkish topflight. He also scored a goal plus one assist in three Turkish Cup games.

Dele-Bashiru came through the youth ranks at Manchester City and featured for the U-23 before leaving in 2020 to join Sheffield Wednesday.

During his time at City, manager Pep Guardiola was said to have been impressed by Dele-Bashiru’s work rate and attitude after he first joined up with senior team training in March 2019.

Ejuke dreams Eagles return after Sevilla move

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Ejuke dreams Eagles return after Sevilla move

New Sevilla signing Chidera Ejuke hopes his move to the La Liga side can inspire his comeback to the Super Eagles.

Ejuke joined Sevilla as their first signing ahead of the 2024/25 season as a free agent from CSKA Moscow, sealing a three-year deal that will see him remain in Spain till 2027.

The club also confirmed that he is the first Nigerian to play for their men’s team, which has had players from almost 50 countries.

“It’s a special feeling to be the first Nigerian. But it just feels good to be part of this team and I’m looking forward to contributing what I can. I hope that I can return to the Nigerian side, it’s always nice to represent your country. So, hopefully this will be the time to do that again,” Ejuka said via the club’s website.

The 26-year-old, who made his debut for the Super Eagles during a friendly game against Tunisia in October 2020, has played eight times for Nigeria.

He was also part of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations squad in Cameroon, making two appearances at the tournament.

Four of his eight appearances for Nigeria were during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

His last invitation to the national team came during a friendly against Algeria in September 2022 but he didn’t feature in the game. Since then, he hasn’t been invited to the Eagles.

Ejuke arrived in Norway as a 19-year-old in 2017, making 59 appearances in two seasons for Valeranga. He scored 15 goals and registered six assists, before moving to The Netherlands to join Heerenveen. In his only season at the club, he racked up 10 goals and six assists before catching the attention of CSKA Moscow.

At CSKA, he added 10 goals and rendered eight assists to his club career tally, making five appearances in the UEFA Europa League.

He, however, had to leave Russia on loan due to the war and thrived on spells thereafter, firstly at Hertha Berlin during the 2022/23 season and then at Royal Antwerp, where he made four appearances in the UEFA Champions League for Mark van Bommel’s side in the just-concluded season. He scored five goals and provided six assists in 35 appearances for Antwerp.

On his latest move to Spain, the winger hopes to achieve something with Sevilla.

“The majority of the season I have played, I have enjoyed. Regardless of whatever happens I just like to enjoy football and for me I have enjoyed all the leagues and all the teams that I have played in. There have been plenty of good moments that I won’t forget. As a football player, you look forward to playing in these types of games and showing what you can do, contributing to the team. I’m definitely looking forward to these games and hopefully, we can get good results.”

At Sevilla, he joins Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne, who is a force to reckon with in their women’s team in the Spanish top division.

He will work under former Watford coach Quique Flores Sanchez as they look to return to their best after a 14th-place finish in La Liga last season.

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