News

EuroMatch NPFL: The Whistle That Won Both Sides — Ibuot Nsisong Linus Earns Rare Praise After Kwara United-Ranchers Bees Thriller

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

Kwara United claimed the three points, but centre referee Ibuot Nsisong Linus emerged as another major talking point from Sunday’s EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter after earning commendation from both sides following the hosts’ entertaining 2-1 comeback victory over Ranchers Bees in Ilorin.

Linus, from Akwa Ibom State, handled the EuroMatch NPFL Matchday Seven fixture at the Kwara State Stadium, working alongside assistant referees Ikponmwonsa Imuetinyan and Morrison Otuwho, with Abdulmalik Abdulganiyu serving as fourth official.

Ranchers Bees carried the advantage into half-time, but Kwara United responded after the break to turn the contest around and secure another important EuroMatch NPFL victory. The visitors were eventually reduced to 10 men following Faisal Sani’s dismissal for a second yellow card.

Despite the intensity surrounding the comeback and sending-off, the encounter ended peacefully, with coaches from both clubs commending Linus and his officiating team after the final whistle.

One supporter, Ismaila, was equally impressed by the referee’s management of the EuroMatch NPFL contest.

“I loved what I saw today—free-flowing football from both sides. The officiating was outstanding, and we pray to see more performances like this,” he said.

“Fans come to enjoy good football, regardless of who wins. When the game flows well and we do not see bias in the officiating, everybody can go home peacefully. You have to give credit to this referee; he deserves commendation.”

Linus has been building his reputation through Nigeria’s refereeing development structure. He was previously identified among the country’s Young Talent referees for a FIFA Member Association course before progressing to EuroMatch NPFL assignments.

Sunday’s performance offered another opportunity for the emerging official to demonstrate his ability in Nigeria’s top flight.

Effective security and medical arrangements also contributed to a successful matchday, while both teams, officials and supporters departed the stadium without any reported incident.

For the EuroMatch NPFL, it was the kind of afternoon that strengthens confidence in the competition: an exciting comeback, competitive football, disciplined benches and an officiating team praised by winners and losers alike.

Kwara United took the points, but Linus took the applause — a notable Matchday Seven moment for the EuroMatch NPFL.

Related Topics:Bees Earns Euromatch Ibuot Kwara Linus NPFL Nsisong Praise rare Sides Thriller UnitedRanchers Whistle Won

Up Next

2027: INEC Begins Voter Register Verification, PVC Distribution

Don't Miss

Fuel subsidy would cost Nigeria over N20trn yearly — Minister

Click to comment

News

Council Chairman Vows To Crackdown On Suspected Ritual Killings In Pangshin

Published

3 hours ago

October 10, 2026

PlateauReports

By Emmanuel Yatai

Mr Felix Gonung, Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Council of Plateau, has vowed to crack down on suspected ritual killings after two deaths were recorded in the area within a month.

Gonung, who gave the assurance during an interview with journalists on Friday in Pankshinon, confirmed that vital organs were allegedly harvested from the victims.

He said three suspects were arrested following the discovery of a woman’s body last month.

He added that further investigations had led to the recovery of suspected fetish substances from the suspects, who had since been transferred to the police headquarters in Jos.

The council chairman said security agencies were also investigating the discovery of a young man’s body at Monday Market on Oct. 6, with vital organs allegedly missing.

He said the incident might be linked to cult activities among students or criminal elements operating within the student community

He assured residents that his administration was working with security agencies to address the situation and restore peace.

“I swore an oath to protect the lives and property of my people. However, the government’s security plans are confidential and the public will soon feel their results and impact.

“This administration, in collaboration with security agencies, is doing everything within its power to restore and maintain the long-existing peace in our communities,” he said.

Gonung disclosed that the council would introduce a policy requiring landlords and hotel operators to provide information about their tenants and guests, respectively.

“This will enable us to crack down on criminal syndicates who disguise themselves as students or guests to perpetrate crimes in the community,” he said.

He noted that Pankshin had enjoyed relative peace despite security challenges in other parts of the state, adding that the recent incidents had understandably heightened residents’ concerns.

He urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

Gonung also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to tackle the menace, stressing that security was a collective responsibility. (NAN)

Edited by Blessing Odega and Philip Yatai

Business

Cardoso Takes Nigeria’s Financial Reforms to Singapore, Signs MoU With GFTN on Innovation

Published

5 hours ago

October 10, 2026

PlateauReports

En route to the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Olayemi Cardoso, has undertaken a series of high-level engagements in Singapore tostrengthen Nigeria’s financial connectivity with Asia through institutional cooperation, financial-market development, and innovation.

The engagements included discussions with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), and the Nigeria–Asia Financial Connectivity Dialogue, convened by the CBN in collaboration with J.P. Morgan, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and FMDQ Group.

Together, the engagements reflect the CBN’s emphasis on translating Nigeria’s financial-sector reforms into stronger international partnerships, deeper markets and practical channels for investment, trade and financial innovation.

In discussions with MAS, the CBN delegation exchanged perspectives on financial-sector development, regulation, market connectivity and innovation, identifying areas of mutual interest for continued engagement and potential collaboration.

The discussions provided an opportunity to draw on both financial systems‘ experiences and explore how stronger institutional relationships could support financial-market development and emerging technologies.

In a further step towards practical cooperation, the CBN and GFTN signed an MoU establishing a framework for collaboration on financial innovation.

The agreement provides a basis for connecting relevant institutions and innovation ecosystems, exploring areas of mutual interest and identifying practical opportunities for cooperation between Nigeria and Singapore.

At the Nigeria–Asia Financial Connectivity Dialogue, hosted at J.P. Morgan’s Singapore offices and anchored by Mr Dapo Olagunji, Managing Director of J.P. Morgan West Africa, Governor Cardoso outlined Nigeria’s ambition to build deeper, more liquid and internationally connected financial markets, positioning the reforms undertaken in recent years as the foundation for a new phase of market development.

He emphasised that reforms to Nigeria’s foreign-exchange market were aimed at removing distortions, restoring transparency and strengthening confidence in the rules governing market participation.

“The real test of reform is not whether you can attract capital once; it is whether you create the confidence for capital to stay, return and grow,” he said.

The Governor highlighted the importance of credible monetary policy, stronger governance, improved market functioning and predictable rules in creating the conditions for sustained domestic and international investment.

He noted that stabilisation was not an end in itself, but a foundation for broader participation by long-term institutional capital, stronger market infrastructure and more effective connections with international financial markets.

The Dialogue brought together investors, financial institutions, businesses and Nigerians living and working across Asia.

The event featured a panel moderated by Gbolahan Taiwo, J.P. Morgan’s Chief Economist for Africa, with Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director/CEO of NGX Group; Zeal Akaraiwe, Group Managing Director/CEO of FMDQ Group; Aderinola Shonekan, Director of Trade and Exchange at the CBN; and Olumayokun Ajibade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Financial Markets and Economic Policy.

The discussion explored Nigeria’s reform trajectory, from capital formation and foreign-exchange market confidence to the development of deeper, more liquid markets and the infrastructure needed to support sustained international participation.

Cardoso emphasised that Nigeria’s engagement with Asia is intended to extend beyond attracting investment flows to building durable relationships between financial institutions, markets, businesses and people.

He identified opportunities for stronger links between Nigerian and Asian banks and market institutions, more efficient payments and settlement channels, and greater participation by Nigerians living and working across the region.

The Governor also highlighted the growing role of financial technology and artificial intelligence in improving financial services, strengthening risk management, supporting inclusion and enhancing regulatory capabilities.

The Singapore engagements form part of a broader programme of institutional and market engagement across Asia, including further meetings in Beijing.

The post Cardoso Takes Nigeria’s Financial Reforms to Singapore, Signs MoU With GFTN on Innovation appeared first on Business Today NG.