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Showtime Bowl XIV: The Stage Is Set!’ Anyaorah Lotanna Eyes History As Bello Anuoluwapo Declares: ‘Champions Rise When It Matters Most’
The countdown to the biggest game in Nigerian flag football has entered its final stretch. With just five days to go until Showtime Bowl XIV, excitement is building across the country as the Abia-Warriors and Lagos Knights prepare for a championship showdown that promises to be one for the history books.
For the third consecutive season, the Warriors and Knights will battle for the Showtime Bowl trophy, extending a rivalry that has become the gold standard of Showtime Flag Football.
The Warriors arrive with history on their side.
The Knights arrive with redemption on their minds.
And as anticipation reaches fever pitch, another group of stars is beginning to command the spotlight.
This time, it’s Bello Anuoluwapo and Anyaorah Lotanna.
LOTANNA READY TO HELP REWRITE HISTORY
The Lagos Knights have spent the entire season chasing one goal—returning to the Showtime Bowl and finally ending the dominance of the Abia-Warriors.
After powering through the playoffs with a dominant Wildcard performance before eliminating the Lagos Rebels in the semi-finals, the Knights now stand just one victory away from completing their redemption story.
One of the driving forces behind that remarkable run has been Anyaorah Lotanna, whose speed, composure and big-play ability have made him one of the league’s most exciting performers.
With another championship opportunity now within touching distance, Lotanna believes the Knights are better prepared than ever before.
“Every player dreams about moments like this. We’ve worked for months to earn another shot at the Warriors. This isn’t just another final—it’s our opportunity to change history.”
Having twice watched the Warriors celebrate at their expense, the Knights know exactly what is at stake.
For them, Showtime Bowl XIV is more than a championship game.
It is an opportunity to erase years of disappointment and finally bring the trophy back to Lagos.
BELLO ANUOLUWAPO: ‘CHAMPIONS RISE WHEN IT MATTERS MOST’
Standing in their way is a Warriors side that has built its reputation on performing under pressure.
The defending champions booked their place in the final after defeating the Ibom Raptors 46-33, once again proving why they remain the benchmark of Showtime Flag Football.
Among the Warriors’ standout performers throughout the campaign has been Bello Anuoluwapo, whose consistency, leadership and ability to deliver in crucial moments have helped keep the champions on course for another title.
As the countdown continues, Bello insists the Warriors are embracing the challenge that comes with defending their crown.
“Champions rise when it matters most. We’ve earned the right to defend this title, and we’re ready for another battle. The Knights are a great team, but we’re focused on finishing the job.”
The confidence inside the Warriors’ camp is understandable.
Two consecutive Showtime Bowl titles.
Two championship victories over the Knights.
Now, they stand just one win away from completing a historic three-peat and further cementing their legacy as one of the greatest teams in Showtime history.
THE RIVALRY THAT DEFINES SHOWTIME
Every great league has a rivalry that defines an era.
For Showtime Flag Football, that rivalry is Abia-Warriors versus Lagos Knights.
Three consecutive championship appearances between the same two teams is unprecedented in Showtime history and a reflection of the excellence, consistency and winning culture both organizations have built over the years.
The Warriors are chasing history.
The Knights are chasing redemption.
And neither side is prepared to leave Showtime Arena empty-handed.
THE BIGGEST SHOW IN NIGERIAN FLAG FOOTBALL
Beyond the rivalry, Showtime Bowl XIV represents another milestone in the remarkable growth of Showtime Flag Football.
Season XIV has produced unforgettable moments, breakout stars, thrilling playoff battles and an ever-growing fan base that continues to embrace the excitement of co-ed flag football.
Week after week, Showtime has continued to raise the standard, providing a platform where athletes compete at the highest level while inspiring the next generation of Nigerian flag football players.
Now, the journey reaches its final destination.
One stadium.
One championship.
One trophy.
Five days remain until two giants collide once again.
Will the Warriors continue their dynasty and complete a historic three-peat?
Or will the Knights finally rewrite history and claim the title that has twice slipped through their fingers?
The answers await on Sunday, June 28, when the lights shine brightest at Showtime Arena, Elegushi, Lekki.
The countdown is on.
Five days to go.
Welcome to Showtime Bowl XIV.
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, over a viral video allegedly showing him calling for the use of AK-47 rifles to kill Christians in Enugu and Plateau states.
Politics Nigeria reports that the suspect, a native of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, was arrested for investigation after the video circulated on social media and sparked concerns over religiously motivated violence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ani Iniedu, said the Zamfara State Police Command had activated its intelligence resources to identify those involved in the incident.
The police also confirmed that the command had engaged the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) at the national and state levels following the emergence of the video.
According to the police, the organisation disassociated itself from the alleged conduct and handed the suspect over to the authorities for investigation.
The video reportedly showed the suspect wearing JIBWIS uniform and appearing alongside pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun: Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya.
Preliminary findings by the Zamfara State Police Command indicated that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, while the suspect was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque, where he and others allegedly provided security during Friday prayers and preaching.
The suspect was born on September 15, 2004. He reportedly attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun.
He also reportedly joined JIBWIS in 2025 and recently gained admission to study Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.
The police said a comprehensive investigation had commenced and that the suspect would be charged before a competent court if sufficient evidence established an offence under applicable law.
Earlier, the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Bello, said the investigation would consider allegations of incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation under Sections 77, 78 and 380(b) of the Penal Code Law applicable in the state, subject to the evidence gathered and applicable law.
The police also condemned statements capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening community safety or undermining peaceful coexistence.
“The Zamfara State Police Command remains resolute in its duty to uphold the law, protect lives and property, defend the rights of all citizens without discrimination, and work with relevant stakeholders to sustain peace and security throughout Zamfara State,” the commissioner said.
The development comes as JIBWIS has publicly distanced itself from the video and condemned calls for violence against non-Muslims.
The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad Ashiru, stated this in a statement issued at its headquarters in Jos on Tuesday.
Ashiru said the organisation had yet to establish the authenticity of the video but maintained that its position against violence was clear.
“We are yet to confirm whether the video is authentic, but our position against violence remains clear,” he said.
He added that JIBWIS, under the leadership of Ash-Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, would not support calls to attack or kill anyone because of their religious affiliation.
Ashiru said banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and Boko Haram attacks were already affecting communities across the country, warning that statements promoting violence could heighten tensions and threaten peaceful coexistence.
“We would not support any call capable of disturbing the peace of Nigeria, as such comments are capable of inciting violence and creating unnecessary tension among Nigerians,” he said.
The JIBWIS spokesperson stressed that anyone making such statements in the organisation’s name did not represent its position.
He urged security agencies to investigate the video, establish its authenticity and identify those responsible, adding that anyone found culpable should face the law after a proper investigation.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information and refrain from sharing the video in ways that could escalate religious tensions.
The Force reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians irrespective of religious affiliation and taking lawful action against conduct capable of inciting hatred or threatening public peace.
Senator Victor Umeh has accused Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo of acting out of envy and hatred towards presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi.
Umeh claimed that Soludo was trying to surpass Obi's political record, insisting that the former Anambra governor remained more popular than his successor in the state and across Nigeria.
The senator made the remarks on Tuesday while fielding questions on Channels Television's Politics Today programme.
Umeh, who said he attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, alongside Obi and Soludo between 1980 and 1984, suggested that their shared academic background might have contributed to what he described as peer envy.
He said, “He (Peter Obi) cannot be drawn to what is called the peer envy and hate. You know, all of us were in the university together. Myself, Soludo, Peter Obi. We were at the University of Nigeria from 1980 to 1984, all of us graduated the same day.
“So sometimes when you see people talk, they talk out of maybe peer envy. He (Soludo) is running after Peter Obi's record.”
The senator further argued that Obi remained more popular than Soludo despite the latter's position as governor of Anambra State.
“Whether he likes it or not, today, no matter what Soludo does, Peter Obi will continue to be more popular than him, both in Nigeria and in Anambra State. Go there and see,” Umeh added.
Obi served as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014. Soludo became governor in 2022.
‘Envy, hate behind Soludo’s attacks on Peter Obi’ – Senator Umeh
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