Author: Daily Post Nigeria

As the final whistle of the global football season draws near, the energy across Nigeria is anything but quiet. From viewing centres in Surulere to living rooms in Abuja, the passion, the debates, the last-minute goals, everything peaks soon and when the tension rises and the cheers get louder, Big Bull Rice is right there on every match-day table.

Because in Nigeria, football is watched, experienced, shouted, argued, celebrated… and most importantly, shared – shared in bowls passed between friends, in plates served during halftime, and in laughter that lingers long after the match is over.

This season, Big Bull Rice has gone beyond being just a meal. Through its Fuel-the-Pitch campaign, the brand has stepped boldly into the rhythm of football culture, positioning itself as the Big Bull of Football, a title it has earned not only by showing up, but fully immersing itself in the game football fans love.

Across the season, Big Bull Rice has transformed digital platforms into virtual viewing centres, where fans don’t just watch matches but participate. From scoreline predictions to mid-match banter, and heated rivalries to post-match analysis, the brand has kept conversations alive before, during, and after every game.

Through its array of activities and Match-Day-Live content, the brand has created a two-way relationship with fans, one where every opinion counts, every goal sparks a reaction, and every fan feels seen. This consistent engagement has turned everyday supporters into an active community, sharing their voices, their humour, and their passion in real time. Big Bull Rice has tapped into youth culture, making football content more interactive, more entertaining, and deeply Nigerian. The campaign has blurred the line between brand and fan, making Big Bull Rice feel less like a sponsor and more like one of the guys in the room.

Beyond just being a game, football in Nigeria is a shared language, a cultural pulse that unites people across backgrounds. And in the same way, rice remains a staple that brings people together, from everyday meals to celebratory gatherings.

By seamlessly blending these two passion points, food and football, Big Bull Rice has not only fuelled matchdays, it has also served experiences. Moments of anticipation before kick-off, tension during close games, eruptions of joy after last-minute goals are all made richer with a plate of trusted, quality rice that Nigerians have come to rely on.

At its core, Big Bull Rice recognises that what truly sustains a brand is not just the product it offers, but the relationships it nurtures. By leaning into the power of community through conversations, shared laughter, and collective experiences, the brand has shown that it values people beyond transactions. With every plate served, backed by its trusted quality, Big Bull Rice continues to reinforce its place not just in homes, but in the everyday lives and memories of Nigerians.

According to Probal Bhattacharya, Chief Marketing Officer at TGI Group, “For us, quality is not a claim, it is our commitment. Across Nigeria, we have been intentional about our presence in the football space, not to disrupt the fan experience, but to become a meaningful part of it. By building platforms for predictions and real-time banter, we have seen fans move from being spectators to taking true ownership of the game. Big Bull Rice is the heartbeat of these gatherings, providing the quality nourishment Nigerians need to stay fit and active for the moments that truly count. We understand that football and food are the shared languages of our community, and Big Bull Rice is proud to fuel the energy and memories that bring us all together.”

Big Bull Rice is Nigeria’s foremost parboiled rice. Big Bull Rice is premium milled, stone-free, with an excellent swelling index that retains the natural taste & texture of goodness from the Nigerian soil. An absolute cooking delight with the best texture, uniform size and shape; each grain is highly nutritious, rich in B-vitamins, Iron, Dietary Fibers and Protein, with low Glycemic Index for a healthy consumption. Big Bull is the ideal choice for a great tasting rice dish, be it jollof rice, fried rice, white rice, coconut rice and many more. Available in various consumer-friendly packs nationwide.

Big Bull Rice fuels thrilling football season finale

United by the number 10: How TenTrade and Luís Figo meet the highest standards both in the sporting arena and the trading world.

It is more than just two digits on the back of a shirt. Passed down from one generation to the next, it is a legacy that truly has a deeper meaning. The number 10 carries with it a greater level of expectation and responsibility. When the game is in the balance, when time is running out, and the pressure is on, it is the number everyone looks to for inspiration, for that match-winning moment.

Meeting these demands requires a certain type of personality. Those with rare technical gifts wear the jersey well, but having that edge to mentally overcome adversity is the real game-changer. That ability to read a situation before it develops or turn an unfavorable outcome into a winning one is what separates a one-off performer from long-term excellence.

A legendary player for both club and country, Luís Figo starred alongside some of the game’s most illustrious names. Now, in his role as Global Ambassador, he has teamed up with multi-asset broker TenTrade. United by the number 10, both reflect a mindset built on discipline, control, and consistently high standards.

Embodying the Number 10 Philosophy

Throughout a stellar career spanning more than 15 years at several of the world’s leading clubs, Figo stood out as an era-defining player, delivering elite-level consistency in those moments when it really mattered. In his time at Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan, his performances inspired a whole new generation of fans who dreamed of emulating his success.

Performing on the greatest of stages week-in, week-out, the Portuguese winger had the discipline and emotional control to make that all-important move at the right moment, even when under intense pressure. His legacy is etched in footballing folklore, and his story serves as an inspiration to many, symbolized by strength, resilience, and an intense willingness to succeed.

That same philosophy is embedded in TenTrade’s approach to trading. It represents a shared philosophy centered on vision: the ability to see the wider picture before it unfolds. It is about creating opportunities, rather than waiting for them, and maintaining composure whether in the market or on the pitch. This ethos sits at the core of the film “What It Takes” because, at the highest level, whether in football or in trading, success is never accidental.

Combining Innovation with Reliability

Similar to the way Figo wore his jersey with pride, the number 10 holds a special meaning at TenTrade, representing excellence in trading. Building on this founding principle, the broker presents a comprehensive trading ecosystem, providing traders with access to advanced financial tools, state-of-the-art products, market insights, and a diverse range of trading instruments.

As with decisive moments in football, where outcomes are determined by key margins, having 24/7 support in place for traders is an important part of TenTrade’s product offering. There are ample opportunities to grow as a trader with a wide array of learning resources available, including extensive educational guides, e-books, and regular expert-led webinars in English and Spanish.

With modern-day trading defined by innovation, TenTrade sets the standard as a next-generation broker. Using the latest in trading technology, the firm delivers continuous improvement to help stay ahead of the market and better serve its client base. Through its commitment to complete transparency, traders receive clear pricing, honest reporting, and open communication, with transparency resting at the heart of the company’s operations.

Trading YOUR way

TenTrade offers trading flexibility, featuring both traditional retail trading and funded account options. Clients can trade with dynamic leverage of up to 1:2000 on more than 200 CFD trading instruments across multiple asset classes, including forex, indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies.

The broker also provides a copy trading program, allowing traders to mirror the strategies of top-performing experts or become a leader for others to follow. Meanwhile, professional traders are able to manage pooled investor capital, set their own performance fees, and scale strategies via TenTrade’s regulated PAMM infrastructure.

When it comes to funded trading accounts, the broker offers accessible entry with a low registration fee of $43 and 1:100 leverage, meaning traders can control up to $100,000 on its lower tier Micro account. There is also a 70% profit share across all account sizes, regular bi-weekly profit payouts, and the option to scale an account once a 10% gain is achieved.

Take the Next Step with TenTrade

When Figo made that career-defining decision to join Real Madrid from fierce rivals Barcelona in 2000, it was a bold move that paid off, silencing the critics who doubted him. It spoke volumes about his strength of character and determination to succeed even when times were tough. It is a mindset that TenTrade values, having the ability to think with clarity, take calculated risks, and act with conviction when it matters most.

To find out more about trading with TenTrade, visit TenTrade.com or speak with a team member via live chat.

The Number 10 Mindset: Setting the Highest Standards with TenTrade

A Mapo Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, on Wednesday, sentenced a woman, Peace Christopher, 45, to seven months in the correction centre for beating up her father’s landlady.

The police arraigned Christopher on charges of breach of peace and assault.

Delivering judgment, the Magistrate, Mrs O.O. Latunji, convicted and sentenced Christopher following her guilty plea and evidence tendered by the police prosecution.

“I have carefully considered all the evidence tendered before the court and find Christopher guilty of both offences.

“Therefore, the convict is sentenced to one month imprisonment for count one of breach of peace or an option of N10,000 fine and another six months on count two of assault or an option of N50,000 fine,”Latunji held.

The Prosecution counsel, Insp Oluseye Akinola had earlier told the court that the convict committed the crime sometime in November 2025 behind KS Motel, Yemetu, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Reviewing the facts of the case, Akinola stated that Christopher hit the landlady, Mrs Olubukola Ojomo on the right eyelid with a sharp object.

In her own testimony, the convict said that she had warned Ojomo to stop assisting her aged father, who is also visually impaired to withdraw money sent to his bank account, but that she refused to listen.

The offences, the prosecutor said, contravened the provisions of Sections 249 and 451 of the Criminal Code cap 38 vol. ii Law of Oyo State 2000.

Woman Jailed For Beating Landlady In Oyo is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Denmark forward Rasmus Hojlund has completed a permanent move to Napoli, the Italian club announced on Wednesday, following his loan spell from Manchester United last season.

The 23-year-old scored 16 goals in 44 matches as Napoli finished second in Serie A, after failing to settle in two seasons in England.

Napoli have reportedly spent 44 million euros ($51 million) to sign Hojlund. United paid Atalanta almost 80 million euros for him in 2023.

“SSC Napoli announce the conditions have been met for the permanent acquisition of… Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United,” Napoli said in a statement.

Napoli are without a coach after Antonio Conte’s departure at the end of the season. Italian media are reporting that ex-AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is the frontrunner for the job.

Hojlund scored 26 goals in 95 appearances for United but struggled during the 2024-25 season after a promising debut campaign at Old Trafford.

“Everyone at the club would like to wish Rasmus all the very best for the future,” United said in a statement.

Hojlund Joins Napoli From Manchester United is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Argentinian footballer, Lionel Messi, has won the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.

The award was announced on Wednesday by the jury responsible for conferring the award.

A statement released by the convener, Princess of Asturias Foundation, said Messi was selected in recognition of a career defined by sustained excellence, sporting achievement and global impact.

Born on June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, Messi rose from Newell’s Old Boys youth system before joining FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy at the age of 13.

He made his first-team debut in 2004 and went on to establish himself as one of the most decorated footballers in history.

During more than 15 years at Barcelona, he won 35 trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles, 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, three FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups and eight Spanish Super Cups.

The Argentine later joined Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, where he currently plays.

On the international stage, he has won two Copa América titles and captained Argentina to victory at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Messi is widely regarded as one of the most successful footballers of all time, with 47 career titles and multiple individual honours.

He has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, The Best FIFA Men’s Player award on three occasions, and the European Golden Boot six times.

He also holds the Guinness World Record for most goals scored in a calendar year, with 91 goals in 2012, and is a two-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year (2020 and 2023).

The Foundation highlighted his role as a global sporting figure who overcame early health challenges linked to a growth condition in childhood and became a symbol of consistency, humility and team commitment.

It also noted his philanthropic work through the Leo Messi Foundation and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

The Princess of Asturias Foundation stated that the award recognises “careers which, via the promotion, fostering and advancement of sport and social commitment, have become an example of the benefits that practising sports can bring to people.”

A total of 27 candidates from 12 nationalities were considered for this year’s sports award.

The sports category is the sixth of eight Princess of Asturias Awards to be announced in the foundation’s 46th edition.

Earlier winners include Patti Smith (Arts), Studio Ghibli (Communication and Humanities), David Klenerman, Shankar Balasubramanian and Pascal Mayer (Technical and Scientific Research), the Svalbard Global Seed Vault (International Cooperation), and Timothy Garton Ash (Social Sciences).

The Literature and Concord awards will be announced in the coming weeks.

The awards ceremony will take place in October in Oviedo, Spain, and will be presided over by the King and Queen of Spain, alongside the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofía.

Each award includes a Joan Miró sculpture, a diploma, an insignia and a cash prize of €50,000.

Messi Wins 2026 Princess Of Asturias Award For Sports is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has announced the commencement of the Net Billing Regulations 2026.

The framework allows eligible electricity consumers to generate renewable energy for personal use and sell excess power to the national grid.

The commission disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X account on Wednesday.

According to NERC, “the new regulations are designed to promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies, improve energy security and reliability, encourage private sector participation in power generation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support the integration of renewable energy systems into distribution networks.”

Under the scheme, eligible customers, known as “Prosumers,” can generate electricity from renewable energy sources, particularly solar photovoltaic systems, for their own consumption and export surplus energy to their distribution companies under a net billing arrangement.

To qualify, NERC said participants must be connected to a distribution company’s network, install renewable energy systems that meet technical and regulatory standards, obtain approval from the relevant distribution licensee, execute a Net Billing Agreement, and register with NERC.

The commission stated that “renewable energy systems eligible for the programme must have a minimum installed capacity of 50 kilowatt peak (kWp) and a maximum capacity of 1.5 megawatt peak (MWp)”.

NERC said interested customers are required to apply to their distribution companies for a technical feasibility assessment.

Successful applicants will proceed to execute a Net Billing Agreement before registering with the commission.

Electricity: NERC commences net billing scheme, consumers to sell excess solar power to grid

A governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State, Hon. Bashir Adamu (Matawallen Kazaure), has formally petitioned the party’s State Election Appeal Committee, seeking a review of the recently conducted governorship primary election.

In the petition, personally signed by the aspirant and obtained by journalists, Bashir Adamu alleged that the primary was marred by widespread irregularities, breaches of party rules, and undue influence by party officials.

He accused the chairman of the primary election committee of abandoning neutrality and acting on instructions from the State Executive Committee, contrary to party regulations.

According to him, the chairman eventually announced the party’s candidate under pressure.

The former federal lawmaker further alleged that the State Executive Committee was biased and worked to secure the emergence of another aspirant, Sabo Nagudu, as the party’s governorship candidate.

Bashir claimed that, having played a central role in building the ADC structure across all 27 local government areas of Jigawa State, he was disappointed that state and local party officials allegedly mobilised support for his opponent and were entrusted with election materials, thereby creating room for manipulation.

He also alleged that officials responsible for distributing election materials deliberately delayed their delivery, particularly in the North-West Senatorial District.

The delay, he said, resulted in materials arriving late at night after many party members had waited for hours for accreditation. According to the petition, the prolonged delay forced many eligible voters to leave before voting commenced.

Bashir further claimed that political thugs loyal to his rival exploited the situation by seizing election materials and fabricating results in favour of their preferred candidate.

The petitioner also cited incidents of violence, intimidation, and thuggery in several parts of the state, which disrupted the exercise. He noted that the electoral committee chairman cancelled the election in four local government areas due to the disturbances.

Bashir argued that the disruptions rendered the exercise inconclusive and condemned what he described as attempts to intimidate party members from exercising their democratic rights.

He also questioned the validity of the results announced by the State Executive Committee, insisting that only the duly constituted Primary Election Committee had the authority to declare the outcome of the election.

Consequently, he urged the Appeal Committee to nullify the primary election and order a fresh poll, arguing that the process violated both ADC guidelines and provisions of the Electoral Act.

Despite his grievances, Bashir reaffirmed his loyalty to the ADC and expressed confidence that the party would fairly consider the issues raised in his petition.

ADC governorship aspirant Bashir Adamu seeks annulment of Jigawa primary election

The International Organisation for Migration, IOM, and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, have received 180 Nigerian migrants evacuated from Libya.

In a statement, the IOM revealed that the evacuation was part of efforts to address irregular migration and support vulnerable returnees.

The UN agency noted that the returnees had been provided with health screening, counselling, and other immediate assistance while eligible beneficiaries would receive reintegration support to help them rebuild their lives.

The returnees were received at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Addressing newsmen on Tuesday, the Head of Lagos Sub-Office of NEMA, Mr Ali Ibrahim, said more than 50 of the returnees came from detention centres in Libya.

He explained that the group include 108 adult females, 45 adult males, 17 children, 12 infants, and two unaccompanied minors.

“So this is an ongoing process on a weekly basis. In addition to the arrival on a charter flight, we also have people arriving on a commercial flight on a daily basis at different points of entrance in Nigeria, including Abuja,” Ibrahim said.

Mr Ibrahim added that the returnees would be profiled by the Nigerian Immigration Service before being reintegrated into society through support programmes.

He noted that since the inception of the initiative in 2017, the IOM and the Federal Government have facilitated the return of over 65,000 Nigerians from various countries.

Nigerian govt, IOM receive 180 Nigerian migrants from Libya

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the names and photographs of 355 West African nationals set for deportation, including 110 Nigerians.

The list, published on the DHS website under the “Worst of the Worst” criminal register, identifies individuals from 16 West African countries who have been convicted of serious crimes and placed on immigration enforcement proceedings.

The DHS stated that those listed have all been convicted of serious offences, though it did not disclose the specific crimes committed by each individual or the timeline for the deportations.

Nigeria leads the list with 110 nationals, followed by Liberia with 94, Senegal with 19, Ghana with 30, Ivory Coast with 14, Gambia with 14, Mauritania with 12, Cape Verde with 11, Cameroon with 15, Burkina Faso with 9, Niger with 8, Guinea with 6, Togo with 6, Mali with 5, Benin with 1 and Guinea-Bissau with 1.

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” the department said in a statement. “Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations.”

The number of Nigerians on the DHS deportation list has shifted several times in recent months, rising from 79 in February to 130 in March before being revised down to the current figure of 110.

U.S. Publishes Photos Of 110 Nigerians Facing Deportation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The conflict between the Malian authorities and the Front de Libération de l’Azawad (FLA) continues to extend far beyond Mali’s borders, raising growing concerns about regional security in the Sahel. Recent reports indicate that southern Libya has become a key logistical base for the armed group, facilitating the movement of fuel, equipment, and other supplies necessary for its operations.

According to information published by Africa Intelligence, southernLibya now serves as a rear base for FLA activities. The region provides the group with strategic depth and access to logistical resources that are difficult to obtain within Mali itself.

The Libyan territory also appears to offer a convenient platform for cooperation between the FLA and foreign actors accused of supporting the movement. Numerous reports have pointed to links between the FLA and Ukrainian mercenaries. Allegations regarding this relationship have been raised not only by the Malian authorities but also by French journalists. As a result, the existence of cooperation between the two sides is increasingly being presented by observers as an established reality that is no longer seriously disputed.

Questions surrounding these connections intensified after reports emerged thata Ukrainian aircraft carrying explosives intended for Libya had been intercepted in Trinidad and Tobago. According to information published by La Libre, the aircraft was detained after authorities discovered undeclared explosive materials on board.

In a statement cited by the airport authorities, immigration officers reported that “upon the aircraft’s arrival, officers from the Immigration Division discovered that it was transporting explosives that had not been declared in accordance with international protocols.” The incident became public only because the aircraft was stopped by the authorities of Trinidad and Tobago.

Analysts have also expressed concern over the fact that the aircraft was ultimately authorized to continue its journey despite the discovery of the undeclared explosives. For many observers, the incident highlights the need for greater scrutiny of activities linked to the conflict in northern Mali and the broader security situation in southern Libya.

Against this backdrop, analysts argue that the ongoing cooperation between the FLA and Ukrainian mercenaries, combined with the strategic role of southern Libya, warrants closer international attention. They believe that individuals involved in supporting or facilitating activities linked to terrorism in the region should be identified and held accountable. The question now being raised by some observers is whether calls for legal action could eventually lead to a case being brought before the International Court of Justice.

– Peter Johnson

 Writer and specialist in African affairs and international relations

Libya Emerges as a New Hub for Cooperation Between Ukraine and the FLA