The Countdown to Osun and the End of an Era

NHRC warns on hate speech, observers flag election risks, Super Falcons miss World Cup for first time in 30 years.

Good morning,

The election in Osun State is tomorrow, and with it, the familiar dread. Federal might is being deployed. The machines are being tested. The voters are being courted. Our big story looks at all these threads. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission has issued a warning: hate speech and divisive rhetoric are rising, threatening national cohesion and could fuel violence. The commission has urged the Federal Government to take urgent action, recognising that unchecked hate speech can lead to violence. The warning echoes previous calls for regulation, and the question remains: will the government act, or will the rhetoric continue?

Election observers are also raising alarms. Late arrival of voting materials, malfunctioning BVAS machines, and the deployment of security forces in ways that could intimidate voters are all red flags. The warning is clear: the election must be free and fair. The question is whether the authorities will listen.

And then there is the football. The Super Falcons have missed the World Cup for the first time in 30 years. On Thursday night in Casablanca, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana defeated Nigeria 2-1 to extinguish the country’s slim hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. After a goalless first half, Thembi Kgatlana broke the deadlock in the 56th minute. Captain Refiloe Jane doubled the advantage in the 77th minute, and though Christy Ucheibe pulled one back in stoppage time, Nigeria could not find an equaliser. The result adds to a difficult period for Nigeria, which entered WAFCON as defending champions and Africa’s most successful women’s national team with 10 continental titles. Cameroon ended their title defence with a 1-0 victory, and Coach Justin Madugu’s description of the South Africa match as a “second chance” now rings hollow. The loss to South Africa is a signal that Nigeria’s women’s football is in decline. South Africa advances to the Inter-Confederation Play-Off Tournament; the Super Falcons have lost their World Cup streak, and the Nigerian Football Federation must now rebuild.

Hate speech is on the rise. Election observers are warning of irregularities. A 30-year World Cup streak is over. These are not separate stories. They are the same story: a country where democracy is fragile, where words can kill, and where even our champions cannot save us. The question is whether we will build a country that works, or simply watch the next election, the next warning, the next defeat.

Think about that as you send your week. See you on Monday.

Warmly,

Lolade