Rivers United FC have confirmed that members of the club’s contingent were involved in a road traffic accident while traveling to Awka, Anambra State, for their President Federation Cup Round of 16 clash against Nasarawa United.

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Sports247 reports that according to a statement released by the club on Thursday, the incident occurred along the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road on the outskirts of Port Harcourt shortly after the team departed from its camp en route to the crucial cup fixture.

While the accident caused understandable concern among supporters and stakeholders, the club confirmed that there were no fatalities or life-threatening injuries. Some players and officials sustained minor injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

The club stated that all affected individuals are in stable condition and are being closely monitored by the team’s medical personnel.

In its official communication, Rivers United emphasized that the safety, health, and welfare of players and officials remain the club’s highest priority. Management is continuing to assess the situation while ensuring that everyone involved receives the necessary care and support.

The incident comes as Rivers United prepare for an important Federation Cup encounter, with the club now expected to review its travel and match arrangements in light of the accident.

The club also expressed gratitude to supporters, partners, and members of the football community for their prayers, concern, and messages of support following news of the incident.

Further information regarding the team’s travel plans and the status of the Round of 16 fixture against Nasarawa United is expected to be communicated by the club in due course.

The development serves as a reminder of the challenges often faced by football teams traveling across the country for domestic competitions. Fortunately, the absence of serious injuries means the focus can now shift toward the recovery of those affected and preparations for upcoming fixtures.

For now, the Rivers United family will be relieved that what could have been a far more tragic incident ended without loss of life, with players and officials expected to recover fully from the minor injuries sustained.

The thoughts of the Nigerian football community remain with Rivers United as the club navigates this difficult moment and looks ahead to its Federation Cup campaign.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) will kick off the Net Billing Regulations 2026 to strengthen energy security and expand renewable energy nationwide.

The commission announced its plan in a public notice on Wednesday, addressed to electricity consumers, distribution companies, renewable energy developers, commercial and industrial customers, and the general public.

According to NERC, the regulations establish a framework that enables eligible electricity customers, referred to as “prosumers,” to generate electricity primarily through renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic systems for their own consumption while exporting excess electricity to distribution networks under a net billing arrangement.

“The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) hereby notifies electricity consumers, distribution companies, renewable energy developers, commercial and industrial customers, and the general public of the commencement of the Net Billing Regulations 2026.”

NERC further stated that the new framework is designed to promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies, enhance energy security, and reliability for electricity consumers.

Similarly, the regulators explained that the move was aimed at encouraging private sector participation in distributed electricity generation, supporting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate efficient integration of renewable energy systems into distribution networks.

Eligibility requirements:

To participate in the net billing scheme, the commission explained that customers must be connected to the network of a licensed electricity distribution company.

Moreover, the customers must install renewable energy systems that comply with technical standards and regulatory requirements; deploy renewable energy systems with installed capacities ranging from a minimum of 50 kilowatt peak (kWp) to a maximum of 1.5 megawatt peak (MWp).

Besides, the customers are also required to obtain approval from the relevant distribution company and execute a Net Billing Agreement and register with NERC.

The commission said interested customers are expected to apply through their distribution companies for technical feasibility assessments before approval.

“Upon approval and execution of a Net Billing Agreement, the applicant shall register with NERC in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations.”

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Metering/compensation

NERC said approved participants would be provided with bidirectional net meters to measure electricity imported from and exported to distribution networks.

The commission added that surplus electricity exported to the grid would attract credits based on export tariffs approved under the regulations.

The move comes amid increasing interest in decentralised power generation and rising adoption of solar energy solutions among households and businesses seeking alternatives to unreliable grid supply.