Three young footballers with Nigerian roots, Chinedu Agu, Michael Ani, and Nathaniel Chioma, have taken a significant step in their careers after signing their first professional contracts with English club Portsmouth FC.

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Sports247 reports that the talented trio, who have all progressed through Portsmouth’s academy system, have been rewarded for their impressive development with professional deals that bring them closer to achieving their dream of first-team football.

Their latest achievement marks a major milestone, not only for the players themselves but also for their families and supporters who have followed their journeys through the youth ranks at the English club.

Signing a first professional contract is often regarded as one of the defining moments in a young footballer’s career, symbolising the transition from academy football to the professional game.

For Agu, Ani, and Chioma, it represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter and an opportunity to continue their development within the Portsmouth setup.

The trio will now aim to build on their progress and work towards earning opportunities with the club’s senior team, with hopes of eventually making their professional debuts for the Pompey family.

Their success also provides another positive story for Nigerian football, highlighting the growing number of players of Nigerian descent making their mark within some of Europe’s leading academy systems.

Over the years, England has produced several footballers with Nigerian roots who have gone on to enjoy successful professional careers, and the emergence of Agu, Ani, and Chioma will undoubtedly be closely monitored by football followers in both Nigeria and England.

The development is a source of pride for Nigerian football enthusiasts, who continue to celebrate the achievements of young talents connected to the country excelling abroad.

As they embark on their professional journeys in Hampshire, the three youngsters will be hoping to justify the faith shown in them and continue their steady rise through the ranks.

For Chinedu Agu, Michael Ani, and Nathaniel Chioma, the dream of professional football has officially begun.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Taraba North, Kabiru Bello Bandawaire, has dismissed reports claiming he has been replaced as the party’s candidate, insisting that he remains the duly nominated flag bearer and will not withdraw from the race.

Speaking on Saturday in Jalingo, Taraba State, Bandawaire said he had no intention of stepping aside for any individual, maintaining that he was validly elected and recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He described media reports alleging that the APC had substituted his name with that of the incumbent senator, Shuibu Isa Lau, as false and misleading.

“I will not withdraw from the senatorial race to represent Taraba North Senatorial District. I am the candidate and will not step aside for any individual.

“I cannot sell out the mandate given to me by the people. I am not aware of any replacement, and the party has not communicated such a decision to me,” Bandawaire said.

The APC candidate argued that the Electoral Act provides a clear process for the substitution of candidates, stressing that a duly nominated candidate can only be replaced after voluntarily withdrawing from the contest.

According to him, he has neither indicated any intention to withdraw nor submit any letter to the party expressing such a decision.

“I do not look like someone who will withdraw from the race, and that mandate remains mine. The party must respect due process,” he said.

Bandawaire further described the alleged substitution as undemocratic, insisting that any replacement must comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

“I wish to inform the people of Taraba that my name has not been replaced by anyone. I remain the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Taraba North,” he stated.