By George Mgbeleke

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has warmly congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their well-deserved victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the triumph as a proud moment for the nation.

In a statement by his media Adviser, Mr Paul Mumeh,Senator Mark hailed the team for their resilience, discipline, and patriotic spirit, which he said reflected the true Nigerian character on the continental stage.

“The Super Eagles have once again lifted the spirit of our nation and reminded the world of Nigeria’s football heritage. Their performance throughout the tournament was inspiring, courageous and demonstrated spirit of champions,” the former president of the Senate said.

He commended the players, technical crew, and the Nigeria Football Federation for their dedication and professionalism, noting that the victory has united Nigerians across all divides in celebration.

According to the ADC National Chairman, the Super Eagles’ success is a powerful reminder of what Nigeria can achieve when unity, commitment and excellence are placed above all else.

Mark urged the team to sustain the winning momentum and assured them of the continued support of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

“On behalf of the leadership and members of the African Democratic Congress, I congratulate our gallant Super Eagles and wish them greater successes in future international competitions,” he added.

By David Owei, Bayelsa

The closing date for registration of clubs for the 2026 edition of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, has been extended by three weeks.

The extension is as a result of requests by officials of club sides interested in participating in the competition, as well as the burial arrangements of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, which would have some members of the Central Organizing Committee playing critical roles.

With this development, the collection and submission of registration forms by interested club sides, will now close on Friday, February 6, 2026. The original closing date was January 15, 2026.

It will be recalled that the sale of registration forms for the tournament, also called the Prosperity Cup, commenced on Monday, December 1, 2025.

A statement issued by the Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr Ono Akpe, says the decision to extend the closing date of registration was as a result of several appeals by officials of clubs coupled with the demise, and burial arrangements of the late Senator Ewhrudjakpo.

The statement further explained that the extension of the closing date of registration was reached after a meeting of the Central Organizing Committee (COC) of the Prosperity Cup.

According to the statement, “The Golden Tulip Resort Secretariat of the Organisers of the Prosperity Cup has been inundated with requests by officials of interested club sides, appealing for extension of the closing date of registration for the Prosperity Cup Season 8. We also took cognizance of the burial arrangements of the Deputy Governor before arriving at the decision to extend the closing date.”

The statement equally stated that the 2026 edition of the tournament is special as it will be used to mark the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State and also to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the Prosperity Administration in the state under the leadership of the governor, Senator Douye Diri.

The registration fee is ₦30,000 for the men’s category and ₦20,000 for the women’s category.

The winners of the men’s category of this special anniversary edition of the Prosperity Cup will go home with the whopping sum of ₦30 million while the women’s champions will smile to the bank with the sum of ₦10 million. There is also one million Naira each to be won by the various local government area champions as well as several other mouth-watering prizes.

By Our Correspondent

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated the Super Eagles for securing bronze at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

Akpabio sent his congratulations in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.

“On behalf of my family, constituents and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Super Eagles on their outstanding achievement in securing the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

“The match against the Pharaoh’s of Egypt was a testament to your skills and determination, and I commend you for your exceptional performance.

“Your victory is a reflection of the talent and resilience that Nigeria is known for, and we are proud to have you represent our country on the international stage.

“I urge you to celebrate this achievement with pride and use it as a motivation to strive for even greater heights in your future endeavours.

“Your achievement is a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians, and we look forward to seeing your continued success.

“Once again, congratulations to the Super Eagles on this remarkable achievement. May your bronze medal serve as a reminder of your capabilities and the heights you can reach with hard work and determination.”