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ABS Walk Over Gateway, Gain Promotion To NPFL

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ABS Ilorin FC have gained promotion back to the Nigeria Professional Football League after three seasons in the second-tier Nigerian National League after walking over Gateway United of Abeokuta in a match day 14 fixture on Sunday, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.Gateway were top on the Group B2 going into Sunday’s final day games on goal difference as they were tied on 21 points but the Olumo Rock City side enjoyed superior goal advantage of plus six against ABS Ilorin’s plus five. But the expected clash of the top teams could not hold as the visiting side refused to play, citing security lapses.After the mandatory 30-minute wait, centre referee Hamza Garba from Kano sounded his whistle, confirming a walkover for the Harmony Warriors. “I’m delighted we’ve technically won the game as stipulated by the rules”, a delighted Henry Makinwa, ABS Ilorin coach, told Completesportsnigeria.com at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin on Sunday.”I don’t know why they (Gateway United) refused to play. They were right there in the stadium but what justifiable reason they can have for not playing is beyond me and beyond reasoning. “If security is their reason, I think they got it wrong. There were enough policemen here, about 50-60 of them so why should they not play?”At worst, they could have played under protest but as it is right now, I can say congratulations to my team for making it possible for us to get promoted back into the Nigeria Professional Football League.”However, Ogun State leader of delegation and commissioner for Spirts, Afolabi Afuape, told Completesportsnigeria.com that he valued the lives of his players much more than the three points and a possible promotion to the NPFL.”Under the circumstances, we could not get on with the game because jeopardizing the lives of our playets would have been a risk worth not taking,” Afuape said.”Yes, we could have played under protest but like I said, it is more important to be alive and play tomorrow than putting the lives of these young players in danger.” Nigeria Football Federation executive committee member and chairman of referees committee Ahmed Fresh was at the match venue.

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Akpabio Removes Natasha Akpoti as Chairman of The Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made a major change in the leadership of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been removed as the Chair of the committee, and a new replacement has been named immediately.

Although no official explanation was given at the time of the announcement, the development has sparked conversations in political circles. Senator Natasha, known for her passion in representing diaspora-related matters, has not yet reacted publicly.

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Newly Married Liverpool Striker Diogo Jota Dies at 28

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The football world is in deep mourning following the sudden passing of Diogo Jota, star striker for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team. He was just 28 years old.

Jota lost his life in a tragic road incident in Spain alongside his younger brother in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025.

The devastating news comes less than two weeks after his wedding to his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, which took place on June 22, 2025. The couple shared three children and had just begun a new chapter together.

Since joining Liverpool in 2020, Jota became a fan favorite for his sharp instincts, energy, and goal-scoring brilliance. He also proudly represented Portugal on the international stage, winning hearts with his commitment and character.

This is a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, teammates, and the entire football community.

Rest in peace, Diogo Jota.
You will never walk alone. ❤️

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Tinubu Appoints Grace Henry as First Female Chair of Nigerian Legion

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Grace Henry as the new chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, marking a historic first as both the first woman and the first non-commissioned officer to lead the country’s foremost veterans’ organization.

The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja via a statement by Abdul Lauya, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications to the chairman.

According to the statement, Henry’s appointment was formalized through a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and takes effect from June 7.

Born on October 5, 1964, Henry brings with her over 25 years of military and administrative experience. She retired from the Nigerian Army in 2000 and most recently served as Director of Corporate Affairs at the Legion’s headquarters in Abuja. She is also the current National Coordinator for Female Military Veterans of Nigeria.

She succeeds retired Major General AbdulMalik Jibrin. Her appointment is widely seen as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion and equal representation within the military veterans’ community.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in her leadership and urged her to leverage her experience to reposition the Nigerian Legion, which serves as a vital support system for the nation’s ex-servicemen and women.

Her appointment is expected to usher in a new era of reforms and revitalization for the Legion amid growing calls for improved veteran welfare and institutional development.

The Nigerian Legion, a statutory body established to support the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents, plays a critical role in the rehabilitation, reintegration, and economic empowerment of military veterans. It also promotes national unity through remembrance events such as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day and collaborates with various agencies to uphold the dignity of retired military personnel.

In response to certain media reports describing her as “one of the most powerful non-commissioned ex-service personnel,” Henry distanced herself from the characterization.

“She wishes to make it clear that leadership is not about grandstanding or media posturing,” Lauya stated. “There is no such thing as being ‘most powerful’ under her leadership.”

Henry emphasized that the Legion remains a unified body, representing all veterans—commissioned and non-commissioned—without bias or division. She condemned any effort to create artificial hierarchies within the organization and called on the media to refrain from spreading unverified claims.

“She remains committed to the principles of unity, service, and integrity,” the statement added. “Ms. Grace Morenike Henry belongs to all and to none in particular. Her mission is to serve all Nigerian veterans equally and selflessly.”

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