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Tinubu Confers National Honours on Super Eagles

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Tinubu Super Eagles team

By Adedapo Adesanya

Members of the silver-winning Super Eagles team in the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire have been conferred with national honours by President Bola Tinubu.

At a reception held to welcome them to the country on Tuesday, the President awarded each member of the team with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) for their display at the tournament, won by the host nation after defeating Nigeria in the final on Sunday by 2-1.

Mr Tinubu, while addressing the country’s national football team at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja, said the players will also receive a flat and a plot of land each at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which is to be facilitated immediately by the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

All the team members and officials were in attendance, including Alex Iwobi, who had faced cyber-attacks from Nigerian netizens who felt he did not give his best in the final match.

The team captain, Ahmed Musa, who did not get playing time at the competition, appealed to Nigerians on Monday to take it easy on his teammate, urging them to stop cyberbullying Alex Iwobi.

Musa had written, “Dear fans, I want to please urge you to halt the cyber-bullying directed towards Alex Iwobi. Cyberbullying is not just a violation of decency but also a serious crime. It’s hypocritical to claim that football unites us while engaging in such behaviour.

“Losing a game is undoubtedly tough, but targeting a single player for the team’s shortcomings is unfair and unjust.

“We win as a team, and we lose as a team. Alex gave his all on the field, just like every member of our squad.

“Instead of spreading negativity, let’s show genuine love and support to our players. They need our encouragement now more than ever. Let’s uplift each other and stand united, both in victory and defeat.”

The Minister of Sports Development, Mr John Enoh, also rallied behind the Fulham star.

“I condemn strongly the cyberbullying of Alex Iwobi or any other sportsman or woman,” he wrote in a Tuesday video post on his X handle that captured him in a meeting with Iwobi.

“They give a lot if not all of themselves when representing our Nation, the least we can do is rally support for them, be kind and gracious with words and actions towards them.

“Dear Alex Iwobi be strong. You were part of a team that brought home a silver medal from AFCON 2023. The last time we won a silver was 23 years ago at AFCON 2000.

“Cyber bullies do not determine what the leadership of the country, the rest of Nigerians including myself, think of you. You did your best and gave over four days for the love of the nation. We applaud you. We are proud of you, keep soaring.”

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Super Bowl LX: How to Watch Bad Bunny’s Historic Halftime Show from Nigeria

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Super Bowl LX

The Super Bowl is far more than a football game. Each year, it becomes a global cultural moment, where sport, music, and social conversation collide. Super Bowl LX promises to be no exception. While fans anticipate the on-field clash between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, much of the world’s attention has shifted to the halftime stage airing on both ESPN and ESPN2 (DStv Channel 219), where three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny will make history.

The Puerto Rican superstar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is set to become the first non-English-speaking artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. His selection has sparked debate in the United States, particularly amid ongoing anti-ICE protests, but it also signals a broader recognition of his cultural impact. Known for pushing artistic boundaries and amplifying underrepresented voices, Bad Bunny brings a rare combination of commercial appeal and social consciousness to the NFL’s biggest stage.

The timing of his performance carries added weight. Just a week before the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny made history at the 2026 Grammy Awards, winning Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos). He used his acceptance speech to address immigration and human dignity, declaring: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say, ICE out,” and calling on audiences to respond to hate with love. That statement has heightened expectations that his halftime show will blend spectacle with message, marking a performance that is about identity as much as entertainment.

As anticipation builds, questions linger over how Bad Bunny will translate this cultural moment on the field. Will the show lean entirely into his chart-topping hits, or will it echo the themes of unity and resistance he spoke of at the Grammys? Either way, the performance is already being framed as a defining cultural moment of 2026, with viewers worldwide eager to witness history in the making.

For audiences in Nigeria, Super Bowl LX and Bad Bunny’s historic halftime performance will air live on both ESPN and ESPN2 (DStv Channel 219) on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 12:30 am WAT. Be sure to also take advantage of the ongoing We Got You offer, where you pay for your current package and DStv upgrades you to the next higher package at no extra cost. This offer runs till February 28, 2026.

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GTCO Sponsors 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament

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GTCO 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

One of the leading financial services groups in Africa, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, is championing great experiences and heritage by being the main sponsor of NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament.

The competition is one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious sporting events and for this year’s edition, it will bring together top local and international polo teams and spectators from across the continent and beyond.

The contest commenced on Tuesday, January 27 at the Lagos Polo Club in Ikoyi and will end on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament will feature top‑tier teams competing for major prizes, including the Majekodunmi Cup, Independence Cup, Open Cup, Silver Cup and Low Cup, among others.

Guests can expect a fusion of thrilling equestrian action, polo-inspired lifestyle showcase, and curated hospitality experiences. The event will also be livestreamed, allowing audiences online to share in the excitement and spectacle.

Commenting on GTCO’s role as main sponsor of the Lagos International Polo Tournament, the chief executive of the firm, Mr Segun Agbaje, said, “This tournament, one of the oldest in Africa, celebrates not only the noble sport of polo but the values we hold dear as a brand: teamwork, discipline, fair play, and a commitment to excellence.

“Beyond the field, it showcases Nigeria and Africa to a global audience, reinforcing the continent’s place on the world stage. Our longstanding sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament reflects our conviction that sport can amplify opportunity, foster connections, and deliver world-class experiences for all.”

The NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament has long been celebrated not only for its thrilling competition and equestrian excellence but also for its rich heritage and cultural resonance within Africa’s sporting tradition. GTCO’s sponsorship embodies the Group’s commitment to creating platforms that unite communities and drive social impact across diverse audiences.

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Top Choices Only at PariPesa Nigeria

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PariPesa casino games

If you’re looking for a fun, reliable, and exciting online betting experience in Nigeria, you’re in the right place. PariPesa Nigeria brings together casino entertainment, sports betting, and modern gaming options designed just for you. Let’s break it all down.

Casino Games

At PariPesa Nigeria, the casino lobby is brimming with exciting games. They are split into categories to help you navigate. You can search for titles using the search bar or narrow down the type of game you enjoy using the filter menu on the left-hand side of the page.

The filters on the left let you pick based on provider, feature, theme, and game types. If there is a title you particularly like, you can also favorite it! There are two separate categories of casino entertainment that depend on your individual casino activity. Recent games are all the ones you have tried, and the favorites section, as you can guess, lists the ones you starred.

Take a look at the main categories of games available.

Slots

Slots are the most popular casino games. They’re beginner-friendly, simple to follow, and you can try them for free in demo mode! At PariPesa Nigeria, you’ll find classic, video, and jackpot slots. Some have Nigerian-themed designs, bright colors, and sound effects that bring the experience close to home.

Table games

Are you a blackjack fan or do you prefer to watch the wheel spin in roulette? Either way, PariPesa Nigeria has a large selection of table games for you to choose from. You will find multiple variations of these titles, along with tables with varying betting ranges. Poker has by far the largest number of variants.

Crash games

These games have extremely quick rounds, so understand the mechanics before you place any real money bets. The concept is simple, really: a multiplier increases, and you cash out before an object “crashes.” The longer you wait, the higher your potential win, but if it crashes before you cash out, you lose that round. Aviator, Chicken Crash, and Doodle Crash are among the more popular games in this category.

Live casino games

Those tired of playing against generated algorithms will find live casino games a welcome break. At PariPesa, you can play poker, blackjack, roulette, and more against a live croupier. You can interact with your dealer and watch everything that happens in real time through video streaming. Remember that these tables are time sensitive, so you will have to place your bets before the window closes, and no, you cannot demo these games.

Sports Betting

Nigerians love sports, and what better way is there to be a part of the action than betting? Football is obviously the favorite, but you can also wager on over 150 sports at PariPesa. You can use the in-house statistics to make well informed bets on your preferred teams and players. Furthermore, the betting markets at PariPesa are top-notch.

  • Over/Under
  • Total Score
  • Match Winner

These are only some of the many, many bets you can place.

eSports

eSports are a hit among young Nigerians. Games like FIFA, CS:GO, and Dota 2 have become part of the sports betting market, and they’re big players. Instead of physical matches, you’re betting on professional gamers competing online.

Virtual Sports

If you enjoy sports but want a quick fix, virtual sports are computer-generated matches that run all day, every day. There are no weather issues and no match postponements or player injuries to affect your strategy. Results are decided by certified random systems, so they’re fair and unpredictable.

Responsible Gambling Policy

No matter what, responsible gaming is an important feature of any online casino platform. PariPesa Nigeria takes this policy very seriously, too. This means you’re encouraged to play for fun, not to chase losses or risk money you can’t afford to lose. You can use the following tools to make sure you don’t go overboard.

  • Deposit limits
  • Self-exclusion between 6 months and 1 year.
  • Session limits
  • Regular check-ins

If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, use the resources available online to get help.

PariPesa is synonymous with a complete gaming experience in Nigeria. From casino games and betting to eSports and virtual sports, everything is covered. The navigation is simple, reliable, and let’s be honest, entertaining! So, join PariPesa Nigeria today and enjoy top choices made for people like you!

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