Author: tdpel

By Lizzy Okoji
The ECOWAS Parliament and Morocco’s House of Councilors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) emphasising the need to maintain and deepen cooperation between the two parties.

Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Tunis and President of Moroccan House of Chancellor, Enaam Mayara, signed the MoU known as the “Laayoune Declaration’’ on behalf of both entities in Rabat, Morocco.

This is contained in a statement  by the Communications Department of the ECOWAS Parliament and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

The MoU covers the economy, parliamentary, human relations and diplomacy amongst others.

It said the agreement was signed based on the importance of economic and trade relations between Morocco and ECOWAS countries and the promising opportunities between the two sides.

The said ECOWAS Parliament championed the cause considering the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening cooperation and unifying positions on bilateral and regional issues.

It said under the agreement, the Parliament would examine ways to develop economic, commercial and human relations, and exploit promising possibilities in cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and West African countries.

“We are committed to managing challenges related to migration, enhancing food, health, and energy security, and achieving sustainable development.

“We stress the importance of south-south cooperation as a key factor in facing the challenges and stakes posed at the international and regional levels.

“We emphasise the importance of strengthening cooperation between the House of Councilors and the Economic Community of West African States Parliament and investing all available opportunities and possibilities to consolidate and deepen this institutional parliamentary cooperation.

“This is especially by virtue of its diverse and rich composition that includes economic, socio-professional, trade union and territorial components, in promoting economic and trade relations and supporting investments between Morocco and West African countries,’’ the Parliament said.

It affirmed the centrality of the House of Councilors of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Parliament of ECOWAS in strengthening cooperation between Morocco and the countries of the ECOWAS.
The statement said the MoU also aimed at exchanging experiences and expertise in the fields of parliamentary work, regional issues and topics of common interest.

It emphasised the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening cooperation and unifying positions on bilateral and regional issues, as well as in examining ways to develop economic, commercial and human relations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Morocco announced its bid to join ECOWAS after its return to the African Union in 2017.

And while the country’s bid is still pending approval, there is widespread consensus that Morocco is a rising continental powerhouse whose membership will significantly benefit the West African bloc. (NAN)

By Taiye Agbaje

An FCT Family Court sitting at the Magistrate District, Wuse Zone II, Abuja, has restrained Precious Chikwendu, from making comments that could lead to identification of children whose custody issues have been submitted before it for determination.

Chiwendu is the former wife of ex-Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, the applicant in matter.

The presiding judge, Njideka Duru, gave the order following a motion ex-parte moved by the applicant’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe, to the effect.

The judge, thereafter, granted the order of interim injunction restraining Chikwendu “from publishing the names, address, school, photographs or making any comment, presenting any speech or paper whether at a public gathering or during a programme described as ‘Green Shift’ (Apostolic Roundtables) slated for Feb. 24.”

She also granted the order restraining the ex-wiife from commenting “on any social media platform of any information likely to lead to the identification of any of the children whose custody issues have been submitted to this court for determination, pending the determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.”

Adedipe, in the motion ex-parte marked: MN/05/2022 filed on Feb. 14 on behalf of Fani-Kayode, prayed the court for four orders, which include “an order granting leave to the applicant, to amend the originating process filed in this case.

He sought for an order of substituted service on the respondent of the amended originating motion, motion on notice for interlocutory injunction and hearing notice.

The lawyer also sought for an order setting down for hearing in camera, the conduct of any or all proceedings in this case, in the best interest of the children involved; to preserve their respective rights to dignity and privacy.

He also asked the court for an order of interim injunction stopping Chikwendu or associates from making presentations at any public gathering or social media platform of the broken relationship.

The judge, who granted the orders for substituted service and to amend the originating process, also granted reliefs 1, 2, 3 and 4(b) of the application.

She adjourned the matter until March 24 for hearing.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Chikwendu, an ex-beauty queen, was on Feb. 14, docked before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja for attempted murder of her former husband, Fani-Kayode.

Though pleaded not guilty in the charge number: FHCABJ/CR/1/2022 filed by the FCT Commissioner of Police against her and three others, the ex-wife was alleged to have attempted to stab Fani-Kayode with a kitchen knife on Nov. 24, 2018 at Asokoro, within the court jurisdiction.

Prosecuting counsel, John Ijagbemi, had also told the newsmen that the complainant planned to amend the charge to include an attempt by Chikwendu to kill the four children she had for the ex-minister going by the facts available to the police.

Justice Ekwo had fixed April 27 for the trial.

Chikwendu, who was accused of infidelity by the former minister, was also said to have withdrawn various civil cases filed against Fani-Kayode.

Read also: Fani Kayode’s ex-wife docked for alleged attempted murder

Although the duo had parted ways, the former minister said Chikwendu had always been given access to her children under closed supervision due to her alleged mental challenges which could result to hurting the children.

The former minister had also alleged that Chikwendu stopped calling the children on telephone for about seven months now contrary to her habit in the past.

In a related development, NAN reports that the ex-wife’s arraignment in an alleged defamation of character suit filed against her by former Sen. Grace Bent, on Jan. 24, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of FHC was stalled due to Chikwendu’s absence in court.

Chikwendu, was neither in court nor any lawyer represented her and the judge fixed March 10 for her arraignment.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Abiodun Lawal

After 28 years Interegnum, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun on Wednesday, installed the new Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, Oba Lawrence Adebajo, Ojuromi VI.

Speaking at the installation ceremony held at Abusi Edumare lawns in Ijebu Igbo, the governor promised that his government would continue to prioritise the welfare and well being of traditional rulers.

Abiodun said  that traditional rulers played a pivotal role in sustaining the rich cultural heritage of the people, saying they remained the custodians of value systems and norms.

He added that traditional rulers  remained indispensable partners in the “Building Our Future Together Agenda of our administration”, and integral part of the state’s security architecture.

“In this wise, the position of Ijebu-Igbo can not be over-emphasised. Ijebu Igbo, not only shares boundaries with other states, it is a centre of commerce and knowledge, attracting people from a variety of backgrounds.

” Against the backdrop of our inter-state security initiatives, such as Amotekun and the recent agreement between our state and Oyo over rising kidnapping, banditry and other manifestations of insecurity.

“We will solicit the support of our Kabiyesi’s and Olorituns (Village heads) for instance, to support our efforts at nipping the scourge of crimes and criminality in the bud.

“With all of us on the same page, there will be no hiding place for criminals and social upheavals will be reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.

The governor appreciated the industrial and commercial nature of the Ijebu people specifically those from Ijebu-Igbo that had immensely improved the state economy.

He urged the people to pay their taxes and rates to government so that the government would be able to provide infrastructure , especially in the rural areas.

Abiodun said  that his administration would continue to implement programmes and policies to engage the youths positively.

He said  that the government was doing everything possible to ensure that Ogun remained a trailblazer in youth development, human capital empowerment, economic growth and prosperity.

“I am always traumatised beyond words when I hear of our youth’s involvement in the spate of killings and dismembering of human beings for ritual purposes.

” Money should not be the sole determinant of success. Integrity should count more. But, let me also warn that we shall deal decisively with anyone involved in any heinous crime in accordance with the relevant laws,” he said.

In his speech, the newly installed traditional ruler thanked the people of Ijebu Igbo and the state government for their support, which brought about his installation.

He sought the support of other traditional rulers to ensure the socio-economic and political development of Ijebu Igbo.

He promised not to let the people down.

Also speaking, Former Deputy Governor in the state, Sen. Sefiu Kaka, appreciated the governor for upholding the Yoruba culture.

Kaka prayed for the peaceful and successful reign of the new Orimolusi.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

CDS Gen. Lucky Irabor

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, says there is no local government area in Nigeria under the control of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

Irabor said this at the 21st Century Chronicle Roundtable with the theme: “Going for Broke: Fighting Insecurity in Nigeria”, on Wednesday in Abuja.

He recalled that state of emergency was imposed on a number of local governments in the North East in the past, especially in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.

According to him, the measure taken at that time was necessary as the country had protocol outlined to manage  such crisis.

“Looking at these issues, the military had to emplace measures by way of crafting operations to suit peculiarities of every geopolitical zone.

“We have Operation Lafiya Dole now Hadin Kai in the North East, Hadarin Daji in the North West and different operations in the North Central.

“There have been recovery of space. At the peak of insurgency, 14 local government areas especially in Borno were under the control of Boko Haram but currently there is non under their control.

“Equally in Yobe, almost four local governments were under the control of Boko Haram as well as in Adamawa but currently, Boko Haram is not in control of any local government.

“We have recovered arms and ammunitions as well as arrests and surrender of Boko Haram terrorists,” he said.

Irabor said the military had absorbed a good number of Civilian Joint Task Force and deployed them to relevant areas.

He said that 80 per cent of the armed forces personnel were currently deployed across the 36 states of the federation providing security and performing police duties.

According to him, that is the more reason he joined those advocating community policing.

“Yes there is a community policing framework currently, but it has to be escalated.

“The NPF is already working on this to see how they could boost community policing mechanisms beyond what it is right now.

“Nigerians need to understand the basis of our involvement and the basis are internal confrontations.

“Of course, our constitution mandates the armed forces to play a supporting role to the civil authority, in this case the Police, in circumstances that we have found ourselves.

“The manifestation of these insecurities have assumed such a proportion that the military will be at the forefront of addressing them,” he said.

The CDS also said the security challenges in the country had been politicised.

According to him, the politicisation of military approach became so profound that the good intentions of the military were skewed.

Irabor blamed the insecurity in the country on the Libyan crisis, which according to him, led to free flow of arms through Nigeria’s porous borders.

He called for allocation of more resources to defence and security sector to meet the needs of the military.

The CDS said Nigeria look inward for its military hardware to gradually replace imported ones. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Victor Okoye

John Idoga on Tuesday helped FCT Hardrockers to secure their second consecutive win as they stung  Civil Defenders 67-54 in the ongoing Mark ‘D’ Ball Men’s basketball championship in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria  (NAN) reports that Idoga had 85.7 per cent success (6/7) from the two-point line as well as 33.3 per cent (1/3) from the three-point line, scoring  a total of 23 points for the FCT-based clubside.

His contribution included four rebounds, four assists and three turnovers, combining well with teammate David Arum who himself had 17 points, including 15 rebounds, two assists and six turnovers.

The FCT Hardrockers were on the front foot from the blast of the referees’ whistle and never relinquished their lead from the first to the last quarter.

They took it 19-15, 12-12,19-14 17-12 with their opponents only managing to draw level in the second quarter.

Hardrockers were also very defensive, relying mostly on the rebounds to inflict damage on their opponents.

They had a total of 30 offensive rebounds right under their opponents basket with most of them converted, including a last minute huge dunk off pass from Arum that ensured the Hardrockers finished with a massive 13- point lead.

On the three-point line, the Civil Defenders had a 19 per cent conversion rate, attempting 31 shots and scoring only six, while their opponents with a 30 per cent success rate attempted 20 shots and converted six.

The NSCDC side were, however, better in ball control as they had a total 26 turnovers and 14 steals as against 29 and 11 by the FCT Hardrockers.

Emmanuel Odah, Coach of FCT Hardrockers, told NAN afterwards that the game was a tough, admitting that his team made too many mistakes but still came out victorious because of their determination to win.

“To be very sincere, we weren’t at our best today but because of our spirit to win we had to convert most of our mistakes.

“Yes, we won, but for me winning is not everything. The process is better than result. So, if you look at the process, sometimes you might lose but the process is good.

“That’s why I told you about the first match that we lost. I enjoyed that game better because my team played so well, the departments were all good but we lost by (I won’t say luck), maybe divine providence.

“Truly, our game today was a matter of team spirit and not skills anymore as we had to psyche the boys up to play due to some circumstances surrounding the game,” he said.

The FCT Hardrockers’ win, which saw them extend their winning run to two games on the bounce, was just one of the shocking victories that livened up match Day Three.

Results of other matches played on Tuesday saw the Niger Potters end a two-game losing streak as they pulled off an upset against Suleja Bulldogs, out-dunking the favourites 77 – 69 in a pulsating encounter.

Plateau Peaks losing run continued as the Jos-based team who have yet to register a win in the championship lost their third straight game 64-73 to high fliers Nigeria Customs.

Also, Kwara Falcons stretched their winning run to three games in a row as they beat CAMAC 77-64 to pile more misery on the Warri-based side who have yet to register a win in the championship.

The result meant that Nigeria Customs  (+70) and Kwara Falcons (+32) who remained unbeaten with three wins from three games played so far maintained their position on the top of Group 2 table.

They have six points each and are placed first and second, respectively.

FCT Hardrockers (+27) and Suleja Bulldogs (+1) with two wins from three games switched places in the table with the former moving up to the third spot, while the latter dropped to the fourth spot after their winning run came to an end.

They have five points each, but FCT Hardrockers have a more superior goal difference.

Civil Defenders (-13) and Niger Potters (-42) are fifth and sixth respectively with four points each having won one game and lost two.

The Minna-based team were the biggest movers, leaping from the bottom of the table after recording their first win, while the NSCDC side maintained their position on the log after their second consecutive loss.

Mark ‘D’ Ball Championship: Civil Defenders edge Plateau Peaks 67-65

Plateau Peaks (-21) and CAMAC (-55), with three points each after recording no wins so far in the competition, are seventh and eighth respectively.

Five teams will qualify from the eight-team group for the Round of 16.

They will join the likes of Mo’ Heat, Gombe Bulls, Hot Coal Ballers, Nile University Spartans and APA Flames who have already qualified from Phase 1 Group 1.

Phase 1 Group 2 standings after three matches

Phase 1 Group C standings after three matches

S/N TEAM                    P   W  L   GF    GA    PTS GD
1.     Nigeria Customs  3   3  0  258   188      6  +70
2.     Kwara Falcons      3   3  0  225    193     6  +32
3.     FCT Hardrockers   3   2  1  236    209     5   +27
4.     Suleja Bulldogs     3    2  1   218   217     5   +1
5.     Civil Defenders    3    1  2  196   209     4   -13
6.     Niger Potters       3    1  2  202    244     4  -42
7.     Plateau Peaks     3    0  3  190    211    3   -21
8.     CAMAC                3    0  3  209    264     3   -55
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Abiemwense Moru

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), in collaboration with Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria and African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), said its robust and strategic rumour management system has been effective in managing infodemics.

Dr Chinwe Ochu, Director, Prevention Programmes and Knowledge Management, Head of Research, NCDC, made this known on the sideline of Media Preparedness against Future and Current Outbreak Response Programme Brainstorming session on Wednesday in Lagos.

Ochu explained that NCDC had a robust rumour management system that utilised a software to scan the social media and Internet for trending news.

“We usually classify these news as valid, misinformation or disinformation. When rumours contain information that can constitute a public health threat, we usually counter such rumours with scientific evidence and facts.

“Our infodemic management system counters rumours with evidence, making sure credible information is made available and accessible to the public.

“So, it is a very robust system that was developed with a lot of our communication partners.

“We are always working with the media and making sure we provide necessary information for the public through the media,” she said.

Also, Dr Yahya Disu, Head, Communications, NCDC, said Nigeria had been playing a leading role in the infodemic management road map for the country.

According to him, it is more like the coordinating agency for the infodemic management team for the country.

“We have Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as partners who are work8ng with us.

“We have been able to develop a framework strategy and action plan for infodemic management.

“We have also started developing tools for infodemics management, we have some before as we are upgrading those tools to be able to reflect the contemporary needs,” Disu said.

Disu, who stressed on the challenges at the sub-national level, said they would build their capacity and integrate them into the national infodemics management system.

“This is because there have been a lot of misinformation on epidemic issues at the sub-national, grassroots level and even offline.

“We also have existing structures in the communities for disseminating information, like the Community Based Organisations, Civil Society Organisations, Non-governmental Organisations, Religious Organisations, Faith Based Organisations, among others.

“We want to build their capacity to understand what misinformation is and how to use that structure to debunk rumours,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Yunus Yusuf

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Wednesday received 159 Nigerians stranded from Libya at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Alhaji Habib Mustapha, Director-General of NEMA, represented by the Acting Coordinator of the Lagos Territorial Office of the Agency, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Farinloye said that the stranded Nigerians arrived at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 7.10p.m. with Al Buraq Airline with registration number 5A-DMG.

He said that the returnees were brought back to the country by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) through a voluntary repatriation programme for the distressed who had left the country to seek greener pastures in various European countries but could not afford to return when their journey became frustrated.

He said that on arrival, the director general admonished Nigerians to adopt positive attitude towards life challenges.

Farinloye said that the returnees are 67 male adults, 80 female adults, six male and four female children, with two infants (one male and the other female).

According to him, on arrival, Mustapha implored the returnees to look inward within the country that has been blessed with abundant resources and take up an entrepreneur that can turn their lives around.

“It is normal in life to struggle for better and improved livelihoods but in the struggle, we must avoid endangering our lives.

“I wish to state that there is nowhere in the world that its citizens will not have to strive in attaining good life within the limited resources available in that country.

“Nigeria is well endowed far more than most countries that young Nigerians are travelling to in seeking greener pastures that are no longer there,” he said.

The NEMA boss said: “What we need to do is for all of us to look inward and avail ourselves of the countless opportunities in Nigeria.

“The present government has been providing enabling environment for us to thrive and will continue to cooperate with development partners in creating level playing grounds for all Nigerians in the country.”

He, therefore, advised the returnees to be advocate against irregular migration to other youths who may think there are greener pasture elsewhere.

The returnees were received by NEMA, along with other sister agencies such as: Immigration Service, Refugee Commission, FAAN and the Nigeria Police. (NAN)

By Muhyideen Jimoh

No fewer than 13 states and the FCT on Wednesday in Abuja begun participation in the 2022 annual Admiral Porbeni National Boat Race.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the colourful event taking place at the Jabi lake is being supervised by officials from the International Canoe Federation (ICF).

Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni (Rtd.), organiser of the competition, said the boat race is aimed at “catching them young” at the grassroots.

Porbeni who is also the President, Nigeria Rowing Canoe and Sailing Federation told NAN that the competition was part of efforts to propagate the three water sports of rowing, canoe and Sailing in Nigeria.

“The Admiral Porbeni National Boat Race is essentially a talent hunt and discovery competition aimed at ‘catching them young’.

“We’ll also nurture them to stardom and prominence by preparing and exposing them to international competitions,” he said.

He said the competition which is in its eight edition has helped unveil and nurture so many talents who are now competing for the national teams and winning medals.

“I am pleased to inform you that the African record older in the 200m canoeing event, Ayomide Bello broke her own Africa Games record of 50.00 secs in the 200m event at the Morocco Africa Games held in 2019.

“when she returned faster time of 42.90 secs in the same event at the 2021 Admiral Porbeni National Boat Race,” he explained.

Porbeni consequently called on corporate bodies and well meaning Nigerians to support the Federation in hosting more of these competitions and getting latest canoes and rowing equipment for athletes.

“Let me use this medium to call on corporate bodies, captains of Industries and we’ll meaning Nigerians to support the Federation financially as we all know that Government alone cannot finance sports to the height we all desire,” he added.

NAN reports that about 131 athletes from states including Ondo, Kogi, Rivers, Delta, Borno, Bayelsa, Oyo, Kaduna, Kwara, Bauchi, Niger, Cross River and FCT are competing in 15 events at the competition.

Gold medalist are set to go home with N100,000, Silver 70,000 and Bronze 50,000 in the three-day competition.(NAN)

By Victor Okoye

The Nigeria Customs Basketball team’s winning run was halted on Wednesday as they bowed 94-84 to a youthful FCT Hardrockers side in the ongoing Mark ‘D’ Ball Men’s basketball championship in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that high fliers Nigeria Customs came into the game on the back of a three-game winning streak and looked to extend their record against the less fancied FCT Hardrockers.

The youthful and enterprising FCT Hardrockers who were on a high spirit after winning their last two consecutive games started the game on the front foot from the blast of the referee’s whistle.

They surprisingly dominated the game from the first quarter and mesmerised the more experienced Nigeria Customs players to show full control in the last seconds of the game.

Favour Adama who is already a toast of many at the  tournament proved his mettle again as he topped scores with 30 points.

His contributions also included four rebounds, two assists and two turnovers as he led FCT Hardrockers to a comprehensive thrashing of Nigeria Customs.

Even the screaming of the renowned Nigeria Customs team coach, Scott Nnaji, from the sidelines could not change the situation, as the FCT Hardrockers players were dunking and slamming with ease.

The dribbling skills of the FCT Hardrockers players left a jam-packed crowd at the Indoor Hall Package B of Moshood Abiola National Stadium shell-shocked and perplexed.

Still trailing, hope almost came the way of the Customs clubside in the fourth quarter, when the scoreline was 74-77.

But the fast and energetic FCT Hardrockers players dazzled in less than 78 seconds to round up the game 94-84 and thereby solidify their third position on the Group C eight-team table.

Nigeria Customs on the other hand relinquished their top spot position to Kwara Falcons as they slipped to the second position on the log.

Emmanuel Odah, Coach of FCT Hardrockers who expressed delight at the team’s victory, told NAN however that he was pleasantly surprised as he never expected his team to win the game.

He noted that the key his team’s success was the ability of the players to listen and obey his instructions during the game.

“My praises goes to God first and foremost as then to my young players who in their youthful exuberance were still obedient to our rules and regulations as well as my instructions.

“We have little standards that we keep as a group and one of the things we do in this team is that we honour each other.

“The point guards honour the forwards and vice versa. Everybody in turn honours the assistant coach and the assistant coach also honours the head coach.

“We all as a team also honour the Sports Council which we represent.

“Indeed, the Mark ‘D’ Ball tournament is beginning to put us in a daydreaming mood and we feel so great winning the much respected and highly rated Nigeria Customs team,” he said.

Results of other Matchday four games also played on Wednesday saw Plateau Peaks survive a late onslaught by Niger Potters to register their first victory of the tournament.

Plateau Peaks for the first time, since the tournament dunked off, smiled out of the Indoor Hall after a 78-67 victory over Niger Potters and moved one step up to the sixth spot on the log.

Niger Potters switched places with the Jos-based clubside, dropping from sixth to the seventh spot on the log.

“Finally, finally we were able to find our bearing in the Mark ‘D’ Ball Championships.

“Indeed, we are one of the top teams when you talk about Basketball in this country and so we don’t deserve to be at the position were we’ve found ourselves.

“We have been so unlucky in our last three games as we’ve always lost from winning positions in the last minute.

“By the grace of God, this victory will surely spur us to another victory tomorrow (Thursday) against Suleja Bulldogs,” an excited Plateau Peaks Captain, Garba Iriafen said.

Earlier, Civil Defenders who were looking for redemption after two consecutive losses on the bounce, got back to winning ways, outdunking Warri-based CAMAC 72-61 to move up one step up to the fourth spot on the log.

CAMAC still remain deeply rooted at the bottom of the table being the only team yet to record a win so far in the tourney.

Also, Table-toppers Kwara Falcons spanked the young and energetic Suleja Bulldogs 71 – 49 to emerge as the only team to maintain their 100 percent winning record so far in the tournament

The result meant that the Ilorin-based side extended their winning streak to four games, while Suleja Bulldogs dropped from fourth to the fifth spot on the log.

The three-month long championship which resumed on Sunday with the Phase 1, Group two round of games is expected to end on Saturday.

Five teams will qualify from the eight-team group for the Round of 16.

They will join the likes of Mo’ Heat, Gombe Bulls, Hot Coal Ballers, Nile University Spartans and APA Flames who have already qualified from Phase 1 Group 1.

Phase 1 Group 2 standings after four matches

S/N TEAM                 P   W  L   GF    GA    PTS GD
1.  Kwara Falcons      4   4  0    296   242     8 +54
2. Nigeria Customs   4   3  1   342   282     7 +60
3. FCT Hardrockers  4   3 1  330     293    7   +37
4. Civil Defenders     4    2  2  268   270    6 -2
5. Suleja Bulldogs     4    2  2   267  288   6   – 21
6.  Plateau Peaks      4   1  3  268    278    5   -10
7.  Niger Potters      4  1  3 269    322     5  -53
8.  CAMAC                4   0  4  270   336    4   -66

(NAN)