Today’s Headlines: “I’ve Seen the Light in Tinubu”, Okowa Declares; Why I Left Man City — Trafford

Former Delta State Governor and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, declaring that he had “seen the light” in the administration’s policies. Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Port Harcourt, Okowa said he defected to the ruling party because he believed Tinubu was making necessary economic reforms to rebuild Nigeria.

Okowa praised the removal of fuel subsidies and increased federal allocations to states and local governments, arguing that the reforms had improved their ability to pay salaries, pensions and execute projects. He also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as an investment in young people’s future, warning that promises to restore fuel subsidies would reverse progress. He urged South-South voters to support Tinubu’s re-election, expressing confidence that the country was moving towards a new Nigeria.

Former Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford said he left the club for Leeds United because limited playing time negatively affected his mental wellbeing and career development. The 24-year-old returned to City in July 2025 but lost his place after the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma, making only four Premier League starts during the campaign.

Trafford said playing regularly was essential for his happiness and progress, although he appreciated winning the League Cup and FA Cup with City. He described the experience as valuable for his development and said he was now focused on establishing himself at Leeds United and fulfilling his ambition of becoming England’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara pledged the state’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, saying Rivers would reciprocate the President’s assistance during the state’s political crisis. Fubara made the commitment on Saturday while welcoming Tinubu to Rivers State for the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South presidential campaign rally.

The governor thanked Tinubu for his intervention in restoring peace and stability in Rivers State, stressing that the people had not forgotten his support during difficult times. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, declaring that Rivers State would stand firmly behind the President as he seeks another mandate.

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, defeated Japan 2-1 to win their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title in Morocco. Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s lead shortly after the restart. Japan’s Fuki Ito pulled one goal back in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian team held on to secure the historic victory.

The Flamingos recovered from an opening 2-1 defeat to Poland to advance through the tournament, defeating Puerto Rico, defending champions North Korea, Mexico and Venezuela before beating Brazil in the semi-finals. Their victory made Nigeria the first African country to win the competition.

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