The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Command, has launched the Afeni Cup 2026, an inter-secondary school football tournament aimed at discouraging young people from engaging in smuggling in the border town of Idiroko, Ogun State.

Officials say the competition is designed to provide students with positive opportunities through sports while addressing the long-standing challenge of youth involvement in illicit cross-border trade.

The tournament is being organised in partnership with Jonnyyeko College of Health Science and Technology as part of the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, the initiative seeks to engage young people constructively, strengthen community ties and introduce students to career opportunities beyond smuggling.

Why it matters

Idiroko is one of Nigeria’s major border communities and has for years faced challenges linked to smuggling because of its location along international trade routes.

Security experts have often argued that tackling smuggling requires more than enforcement alone, saying education, youth engagement and economic opportunities are also essential in reducing recruitment into illegal activities.

By targeting secondary school students, Customs hopes to intervene before vulnerable youths become involved in cross-border crime.

Customs: ‘Smuggling robs our youth of their future’

Declaring the tournament open, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said the competition is intended to inspire young people while promoting responsible choices.

“Smuggling robs our youth of their future. By sponsoring this competition, we aren’t just playing football; we are providing a platform for advocacy, teaching life skills, and showing these students that their potential extends far beyond the border tracks.”

Afeni added that the tournament would also identify promising football talents and encourage participants to consider sports as a legitimate career path instead of illegal border activities.

Community backs initiative

The competition features 12 secondary school teams from across the local government area and is expected to involve hundreds of students, teachers and supporters.

Educational authorities, youth associations and community leaders have welcomed the programme, describing it as a timely effort to keep young people in school and away from smuggling routes.

Education stakeholders say initiatives combining sports and learning can improve school participation while promoting discipline, teamwork and leadership among students.

Expert perspective

Youth development specialists say organised sports have repeatedly been used worldwide to reduce youth crime and social exclusion by creating mentorship opportunities and building life skills.

They note, however, that long-term success will depend on sustained investment in education, employment opportunities and community development alongside security operations.

What’s next?

The tournament began on 13 July 2026 at Iko Gate Grammar School, Idiroko, and will conclude with a grand finale on 24 July 2026.

Organisers say winning schools and outstanding players will receive cash prizes and educational materials at the end of the competition.

England and Argentina will meet in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after both nations came through dramatic quarter-final encounters that required extra time to produce winners.

The victory keeps Argentina’s title defence alive, while England move within one win of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966.

England overcome Norway in extra time

England defeated Norway 2-1 in Miami, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice to send Thomas Tuchel’s side into the last four.

Norway took the lead in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup beat Jordan Pickford with a dipping strike.

England responded before half-time as Bellingham latched onto Anthony Gordon’s through ball before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

Tuchel reshaped his team after the interval by introducing Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, replacing Declan Rice and Noni Madueke as England searched for a breakthrough.

Norway threatened to regain the lead after the break. Torbjorn Heggem had a goal ruled out following Erling Haaland’s foul on Elliot Anderson, while David Moller Wolfe struck the crossbar.

The decisive moment came in extra time when Bellingham reacted quickest after Nyland failed to hold Morgan Rogers’ shot, scoring his second goal of the night to seal England’s place in the semi-finals.

The result marks England’s third appearance in a men’s FIFA World Cup semi-final since winning the tournament in 1966.

Argentina survive Swiss scare

Defending champions Argentina also needed extra time to overcome Switzerland 3-1 in Kansas City after a fiercely contested match.

Lionel Messi created the opening goal with a corner that Alexis Mac Allister headed home after just 10 minutes.

Switzerland fought back and deservedly equalised through Dan Ndoye after combining well with Ricardo Rodriguez before firing past Emiliano Martinez.

The turning point came midway through the second half following a controversial VAR review.

Breel Embolo, already on a yellow card, was initially awarded a free-kick after appearing to be fouled by Leandro Paredes.

After reviewing the incident, officials ruled that Embolo had simulated contact. Paredes’ yellow card was cancelled, while Embolo received a second booking and was sent off, leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.

Argentina eventually capitalised on their numerical advantage.

Julian Alvarez restored the South American side’s lead in extra time with a superb 25-yard strike beyond Gregor Kobel.

As Switzerland pushed forward in search of another equaliser, Lautaro Martinez added a late third goal on the counterattack to secure Argentina’s place in the semi-finals.

Why it matters

The meeting between Argentina and England revives one of international football’s most famous rivalries.

Both teams are now just one victory away from reaching the FIFA World Cup final, with Argentina chasing back-to-back world titles and England seeking their first appearance in the final for six decades.

The winner will face either France or Spain, who meet in the first semi-final on Tuesday, July 14.

What happens next

Argentina will face England in the second semi-final at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15.

France and Spain will contest the first semi-final at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14.

Expert Perspective

Football analysts say England’s growing resilience under Thomas Tuchel and Argentina’s ability to win difficult knockout matches have made both sides genuine favourites for the title.

With attacking talents including Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez on display, the semi-final is expected to be one of the tournament’s standout matches.

Sources

This report was compiled from match reports and tournament information published by Naija News, with additional editorial writing and background based on official FIFA World Cup fixture details and match events.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has strengthened its partnership with the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government by appointing its chairman, Prince Lanre Sanusi, as a Media Games Ambassador ahead of the 2026 NUJ Media Games.

The announcement was made during a presentation at the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Secretariat on Tuesday, where members of the NUJ Lagos State Executive Council and the Media Games Committee met with the council chairman.

The appointment comes as the journalists’ union steps up preparations for the 2026 NUJ Media Games, an annual sporting event designed to promote fitness, unity and professional networking among media practitioners across Lagos State.

A partnership beyond sports

Chairman of the NUJ Media Games Committee, Adeleye Ajayi, said the appointment reflects the union’s desire to work closely with public institutions that support community development and good governance.

He described Sanusi as “a selfless and visionary leader” whose administration had demonstrated commitment to improving infrastructure, environmental sanitation, healthcare, education and economic opportunities for residents.

“The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council is pleased to recognise Prince Lanre Sanusi, Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, as one of its Media Games Ambassadors in appreciation of his commitment to grassroots development, responsive leadership and community-focused governance.”

Ajayi said the council’s investments in road construction, drainage projects, youth empowerment, vocational training and support for small businesses had made it a worthy partner for the union.

He added that recognising public officials with visible records of service delivery encourages accountability and promotes best practices in public administration.

Sanusi pledges continued support

Receiving the honour, Sanusi thanked the NUJ for the recognition and pledged his administration’s continued commitment to development and collaboration.

“My heart is full of gratitude for this recognition of what we have been able to do for our community. It is one thing to work diligently and another for people to recognise and appreciate those efforts.”

He said the award belonged to the management team, council staff, legislators and other stakeholders who had contributed to the administration’s achievements.

The chairman said ongoing infrastructure projects across Amuwo-Odofin reflected the council’s determination to improve residents’ quality of life.

“I am not interested in whose responsibility it is to fix a road; whether it belongs to the state or federal government. What matters is that the roads are fixed so our people can enjoy the basic amenities they deserve.”

According to him, the council has completed at least 11 major roads within 11 months and expects to deliver more projects before the end of the year.

He also highlighted investments in vocational skills training, healthcare services and youth-focused sports programmes, while promising prudent management of public funds.

“We are equally investing in sports development to positively engage our youths. This is what governance is all about.”

“Every kobo meant for Amuwo-Odofin will be judiciously spent and properly accounted for.”

Why the appointment matters

The appointment underscores the growing role of partnerships between professional organisations and government institutions in promoting community development and public engagement.

Observers say collaborations between media bodies and public institutions can also help promote transparency, civic participation and greater awareness of development initiatives at the grassroots level.

Looking ahead

The 2026 NUJ Media Games will take place from October 5 to October 10 at the Agege Stadium in Lagos.

The NUJ Lagos State Council said it will continue to recognise individuals and institutions that have demonstrated commitment to public service while expanding partnerships that contribute to the success of the annual sporting event.