News
JUST IN: Osimhen Shines In 4-0 Rout Of Benin To Raise W’Cup Hope

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic 4-0 in the decisive 2026 World Cup qualification at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and second-half goal from substitute Frank Onyeka were enough to give Nigeria three points against Benin in its quest to qualify for the World Cup.
Although the goals were not enough to give Nigeria the qualification ticket, as leaders, South Africa secured three points by beating Rwanda 3-0, qualifying for the World Cup tournament in the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
There were four changes from our win over Lesotho. Ndidi leads the team tonight. Simon makes his 85th appearance. Osimhen partners with Akor Adams up front.
READ ALSO:Osimhen Rejects Al Hilal 5th Offer, Wants To Stay In Europe
Nigeria’s Line-up vs Benin Republic: 23. Stanley Nwabali (GK); 2. Benjamin Fredrick, 3. Zaidu Sanusi, 4. Wilfred Ndidi (C), 6. Semi Ajayi, 9. Victor Osimhen, 11. Samuel Chukwueze, 15. Moses Simon, 17. Alex Iwobi, 20. Akor Adams, 21. Calvin Bassey.
Substitutes are: Adebayo, Ekong, Arokodare, Onyeka, Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Obasogie, Uche, Moffi, Olusegun.
As the match kicked off, Victor Osimhen scored in the third minute courtesy of an assist from Samuel Chukwueze.
The Cheetahs of the Benin Republic are also pushing for an equaliser in the 12th minute of the match, but the attack was stopped by Calvin Bassey.
READ ALSO:Oliseh Urges Osimhen To Choose Premier League Over Galatasaray Return
As of 14 minutes into the game, ball possession is Nigeria 58% and Benin 42%. While both teams are on one short on target each.
In the 22 minutes, Osimhen almost converted the cross made to him in the box, but unfortunately was defended by a calm Beninoise defender.
In the 38th minute, Osimhen doubles the lead courtesy of another Samuel Chukwueze’s cross into the box. It is now 2-0 in favour of the Super Eagles.
The Egyptian referee who serves as the first official for the game has added five minutes of extra time.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Chelle Drops Osimhen, Lookman From Super Eagles Squad To Play Ghana, Russia [Full list]
Benin Republic began the kick off into the second half to put pressure on the Super Eagles.
Osimhen, again, again and again. The Super Eagles forward hit a hat-trick in the 51st minute.
The Super Eagles come knocking on the Cheetahs’ door again in the hunt for a fourth goal, but the effort was wasted by Wilfred Ndidi in the 68th minute.
However, the resilient Nigerian squad came knocking again after substitute Onyeka fired a shot past the Beninoise goalkeeper to make it four goals to nil in the 90th minute.
News
Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru
Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.
Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.
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La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.
The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.
The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.
He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.
News
Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.
DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.
A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.
READ ALSO:Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria
“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.
“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.
“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.
News
N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.
The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.
At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.
Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.
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Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.
“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.
“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.
This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”
“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).
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“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”
Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.
Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.
Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.
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