News
NFF Appoints Malian Chelle as Super Eagles Head Coach
The Nigeria Football Federation appointed Mali coach Éric Chelle as the new head coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, becoming the third man to be in charge of the Super Eagles since the resignation of Jose Peseiro in March 2024.
Chelle’s appointment was confirmed by the NFF on Tuesday, hours after president Ibrahim Gusau in another video had said the appointment would be soon.
“The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has endorsed the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for the appointment of Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle as Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men national football team, Super Eagles,” NFF said in a statement.
“At its meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, January 2, 2025, the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee had recommended the appointment of the former coach of the senior men national team of Mali as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. This recommendation was on Tuesday, 7th January endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee.”
According to the NFF president, Gusau, Chelle’s work will begin immediately with the home-based Super Eagles at the 2024 African Nations Championship in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda where Nigeria will be competing with 17 other countries from February 1-28.
“We are all concerned and we want whoever will take charge of the team must start immediately and that is why we also have the policy that it is the same coach that will manage the CHAN Eagles. So, you cannot have the opportunity to manage a team comprising of home-based players and at the end of the tournament, you come back to tell us that you don’t see one or two that can be injected into the senior national team.”
The Super Eagles B are currently in camp at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne under the tutelage of Remo Stars Coach Daniel Ogunmodede and his Rangers International Counterpart Fidelis Ilechukwu as well as goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa, who led the team through the qualifiers against Ghana.
Chelle, who won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali and coached clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne and MC Oran, has been head Coach of the Aiglons since 2022.
At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals, Chelle’s Mali came very close to a place in the semi-finals, losing to hosts and eventual winners Ivory 2-1 after extra time, after leading by a lone goal until the final minute of regulation time.
Another work cut out for him would be guiding the Super Eagles to earn a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, with the team currently languishing in fifth place in their qualifying group ahead of the next round of matches taking place in March.
A political science scholar, Prof. Mbanefo Odum, has urged the Federal Government to put adequate security measures in place to prevent renewed vandalism of the First Niger Bridge after the ongoing repair works.
Odum, a professor at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and Director of Research, Nigeria Political Science Association, South-East Zone, said replacing the vandalised components would amount to little if the bridge was not adequately protected from further attacks.
Reacting to the closure of the bridge for repairs following the vandalisation of some of its critical components, he said the authorities must ensure that the newly installed items were properly secured.
“I hope they’ve put in place measures to keep vandals from revandalising the replaced items. It’s very important to do so.
“Otherwise, the replaced objects will vanish within weeks or months, getting the sections back to square one,” he said.
His warning comes as the Federal Government moves to repair sections of the First Niger Bridge affected by the removal of bolts, expansion joints, iron bars and other critical components.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has also directed the installation of CCTV cameras on the bridge to monitor activities and help security agencies track and arrest vandals.
The bridge is expected to be closed during the repair exercise, with motorists directed to use the Second Niger Bridge as an alternative route.
First By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The over 50-year-old First Niger Bridge may be closed for one week as the Federal Government commences repairs on vandalised sections of the bridge and begins the installation of enhanced security infrastructure.
Suspected vandals had reportedly removed bolts, iron components and other materials from the bridge, raising concerns about the safety of motorists and the structural integrity of the facility.
The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, disclosed this at Ogbunike in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State while inspecting ongoing projects in Edo, Delta and Anambra states.
Umahi said security measures were being introduced to prevent further vandalism of the bridge.
He said, “Now on the First Niger Bridge, we have seen the wickedness of the underworld.
“We have seen man’s inhumanity to man. Those things that they are removing are very dangerous to the beauty of that bridge, and we have commenced action on that bridge.
“There is so much accumulated workload on that bridge, like it was with the Third Mainland Bridge, and every government that comes will put asphalt, and it is causing a lot of gridlocks on that bridge.
“Bridges are designed for light loads and dynamic loads. So, we have directed that work should start immediately and the entire asphalt be removed and another one put in its place.
“There will be solar lights on that bridge in the next one week, and we shall fix CCTV and connect it to the one on the Second Niger Bridge so that security personnel can monitor the bridge. Whoever tries to touch the bridge again is going to be arrested.”
The minister also disclosed that rehabilitation work would be carried out on failed sections of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
He said contractors working on the road had been directed to first identify and measure all failed portions, mill them out and apply a 16mm binder before proceeding with other work.
According to him, the affected sections extend from the Head Bridge towards the 21.5-kilometre point.
He added that contractors had been directed to complete one carriageway before moving to the other in order to minimise disruption to traffic.
“We have to attempt to work at night so that we don’t interfere with traffic. We also have to get the Road Safety involved, and our local traffic managers should commence the desilting of the drainage before commencing,” Umahi said.
He added that, “To that effect, we may have to close down the First Niger Bridge in seven days’ time and direct traffic to the Second Niger Bridge for us to fix the First Niger Bridge in good time.”
Second Niger Bridge Access Road
At the ongoing construction of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge, the Controller, Engr. Timothy Emenike, and Engr. Nnamdi said the pace of work would be accelerated, with construction progressing from both ends of the project.
They explained that the project runs from Obosi through Nkpor and Ogidi to Ogbunike, where work is currently ongoing.
“The project starts from Obosi down to Nkpor and Ogidi, and now we are in Ogbunike. Along this alignment, we are working on several spots. You have just seen the second bridge that is ongoing, and we are almost about to start the third one,” they said.
They added that lack of work space would no longer hinder progress, following discussions with the Anambra State Government to release additional portions of the right of way.
According to them, another five-kilometre stretch between the Obosi axis would be made available within the next week, allowing work to proceed from both ends.
“We are cutting through the hill at Ogbunike to continue the work in that area,” they said.
Anambra Promises More Right of Way
The Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, assured the contractors that the state government would provide the additional right of way required for the project.
Ezeobi said another five kilometres had been added to the area currently available to the contractors.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for what he described as infrastructure development across Anambra State and the South-East.
“There is no better way to describe this than renewed hope, and not just saying it. The Honourable Minister, with what you are doing with our wonderful President, for the first time Easterners can come in and move out with ease, and the bottleneck that had been a great harassment and was sending people out of the South-East has been taken care of,” Ezeobi said.
“One can now bypass Onitsha, bypass Asaba, and you are on your way.
“You don’t know how glad the people of Anambra and the South-East are. Thank Mr President for us.
“There is no way to ask for democracy dividends; this is what you get when you have visionary leadership tailored towards alleviating the sufferings of the masses.
“Mr President is developing every part of Nigeria. Regarding the right of way for this project, we are finalising it, and we are adding another five kilometres to what we have now. There will be more than enough for the contractor to work with,” he said.
The MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has commenced a major ₦3.5 billion network rehabilitation and upgrade programme aimed at improving the quality, reliability and sustainability of electricity supply across parts of Enugu State.
The projects are being implemented under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria supported by the World Bank.
The Managing Director of MainPower, Dr Ernest Mupwaya, told newsmen in Enugu on Thursday that DISREP would strengthen Nigeria’s electricity distribution sector through metering, rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, reduction of technical and commercial losses, and improvement in service delivery.
He said that the first phase of the scope of the projects cover the rehabilitation and upgrading of the following critical infrastructure: the 9th Mile Injection Substation; the 9th Mile Industrial Feeder; and the Coca-Cola 33 kV Feeder.
“It will also cover installation of seven new 500 kVA, 11/0.415 kV distribution transformers; rehabilitation of 10 existing 500 kVA distribution transformers; and provision of 11 kV switchgear to improve system protection, control and operational flexibility.
“The works are expected to be completed within five weeks. Contractors will work daily, including weekends, to ensure timely delivery,” he said.
The managing director stressed that a major component of the project is the upgrade of the approximately 28-kilometre Coca-Cola 33 kV Line running from the Oji River Transmission Station to the 9th Mile Injection Substation.
“The line, which currently operates on a 50mm² aluminium conductor single circuit, will be upgraded to a 150mm² Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) double circuit.
“The upgraded line will have a combined design thermal transfer capability of up to 36MW, subject to prevailing system conditions, voltage regulation and other operational requirements.
“The additional capacity will strengthen electricity supply to the 9th Mile industrial axis and support existing and prospective industrial customers,” he said.
Mupwaya said that the beneficiaries would include the following companies: Sapphire, 7-Up, Honest Material, Coca-Cola, Wisdo, Enugu Water Works and others, as well as customers supplied through the 11 kV industrial feeder.
He noted that the project would also relieve the Kingsway 2 Line, which serves Ogui and the Hilltop axis, thereby improving network flexibility and reliability in those areas.
On the 9th Mile Power Corridor, he noted that the existing undersized 70mm² aluminium conductor on the 9th Mile 11 kV industrial feeder would be replaced with a 150mm² aluminium conductor from the injection substation.
He said, “This upgrade will address existing capacity constraints, reduce technical losses, improve voltage profiles and create additional capacity to accommodate growing industrial and commercial demands.
“Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly improve electricity supply to customers in Udi and Ezeagu Local Government Areas, including: 9th Mile industrial hub; the Free Trade Zone; Ezeagu industrial cluster; Abor; Ajali; and surrounding communities.”
The MainPower boss said that the rehabilitation programme forms part of MainPower’s broader commitment to strengthening the electricity distribution network and providing the infrastructure required to support industrial growth, business expansion and improved socioeconomic activity across Enugu State.
He also explained that in order to provide a safe working environment and facilitate the efficient execution of the works, scheduled outages would occur during the five-week construction period.
“The outages will generally take place between 8a.m. and 2p.m., during which electricity supply to affected customers will be temporarily interrupted.
“MainPower appreciates the operational implications of these outages, particularly for industrial and commercial customers, and appeals for their patience, understanding and cooperation.
“The temporary disruptions are necessary to enable the rehabilitation works to be completed safely and within the planned timeframe,” he said.
Mupwaya noted that the rehabilitation would require the clearance of structures and commercial activities encroaching on the statutory powerline right-of-way, adding that such encroachments would be addressed in accordance with applicable safety requirements and established procedures.
“Customers and members of the public are advised not to erect structures, operate businesses or undertake any activity within powerline rights-of-way.
“These corridors must remain clear to protect lives, facilitate maintenance and ensure the safe operation of electricity infrastructure,” he said.
He also appealed to customers and members of communities within the projects corridor to protect the new electrical installations and give contractors maximum cooperation to deliver the work as scheduled.
Inspiration most at times comes from leaders who are audacious. The present regime in Ebonyi State has weaponized the system against the people. Instead of working to provide *welfare and security*, which is the primary duty of every government, for the people they govern, the system has become a terror against the citizens.
The vision of Dr Anyichuks Odii, the PDP governorship candidate to reconstruct Ebonyi state, economically, politically and developmentally is well known. *Under his government, the people will rejoice because the Bible says that *WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS IS IN AUTHORITY, THE PEOPLE REJOICE, BUT WHEN THE WICKED BEAR RULE, THE PEOPLE MOURN*!
This is the position of what is taking place in Ebonyi state today. The wicked is bearing rule, now in Ebonyi, the people are mourning. The present regime is bearing rule from a very wicked perspective hence the people are mourning.
*”I told them when we start campaigning, I will be campaigning as a private citizen. Show me what you have done, I will show you what I have done. If you can do it as a private citizen, I will surrender, I will resign and I will bow and allow you to continue…”* – Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii
This a very audacious declaration by the PDP governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, I want to say, *EBONYI RISE, A DANIEL HAS COME TO JUDGEMENT*
ANYICHUKS ODII IS HERE.
Dr. Kenneth Anozie
Political Analyst
Former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and APC House of Representatives candidate for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, has said the recent Osun State governorship election proved that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can conduct free and fair polls, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transparency reforms are taking hold and redefining Nigerian democracy.
In an article titled “Transparency, Trust, and Transformation: Why INEC’s Credibility and Tinubu’s Reforms Are Redefining Nigerian Democracy,” Orji argued that transparency is the oxygen of true democracy, enabling free elections, economic growth, and citizens’ ability to hold leaders to account.
“Transparency is the oxygen of true democracy. Without it, elections become rituals, policies become decrees, and public trust erodes. With it, citizens can see the process, judge the outcomes, and believe that their votes and their taxes actually matter,” Orji wrote.
The former Speaker said President Tinubu’s commitment to openness is a governing philosophy anchored on the belief that legitimacy comes from process, not pronouncement.
He cited the Osun election as a defining moment for INEC’s credibility. According to Orji, despite widespread skepticism that the ruling APC had predetermined the winner, INEC conducted a free and fair election.
“To their dumbfounding surprise, INEC conducted a free and fair election. Voters were accredited, results were transmitted, and party agents were allowed to witness the process at every level. The atmosphere reflected competition, not coercion,” he wrote.
Orji noted that Accord Party candidate Ademola Adeleke emerged as winner, adding that the outcome “cut across expectations and party lines” and forced even skeptical observers to reassess.
He said President Tinubu’s posture before, during, and after the election reinforced INEC’s credibility, adding that there was no directive from the Villa to skew the process.
“That is adherence to the Rule of Law in practice. When the head of government allows institutions to function independently, he is telling Nigerians that no one, including his own party, is above the process,” Orji stated.
The APC chieftain also linked INEC’s credibility to the administration’s economic transparency agenda, describing both as “two sides of the same coin.”
“One protects political rights, the other protects economic rights. Both depend on institutions being allowed to work,” he wrote.
On the removal of petroleum subsidy, Orji described the policy as a “difficult but necessary path” that has delivered immediate and measurable results.
“Federation allocations to states have quadrupled in many cases. Money that previously disappeared into subsidy payments is now flowing into state coffers,” he wrote.
He said governors across party lines now have more fiscal space to pay salaries, rehabilitate schools, invest in healthcare, and fix roads, adding that it is “only fair and only right” that they acknowledge President Tinubu’s role in the reform.
Orji said transparency in the reform matters because Nigerians can now see monthly FAAC figures published, track what comes into the federation account, and demand accountability from their state governments.
“When citizens know how much their state received, they can also ask how it is being spent. That is democracy extending beyond election day into governance itself,” he wrote.
He said the judiciary has also benefited from the executive’s respect for court judgments and due process, adding that public trust is being slowly rebuilt because people can point to concrete examples.
“Osun is one. Improved allocations is another. There is a pattern forming,” Orji stated.
He concluded that President Tinubu has demonstrated a consistent willingness to uphold the principles of democratisation—free elections, open policies, and governance that answers to the people.
“In the final analysis, transparency is not a slogan. It is an enabler. It enables free elections, it enables economic growth, and it enables citizens to hold leaders to account,” he wrote.
“That is the standard Nigerians should now demand, and it is the standard this administration has set.”
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