VON apologises for false WAFCON final reportage

The Voice of Nigeria (VON), the nation’s international broadcasting station, has apologised for the false publication that Morocco defeated Nigeria at the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Last night, the Super Falcons defeated Morocco in a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory to claim its record-extending 10th WAFCON.

In a conflicting report, VON published that Morocco defeated Nigeria 2:0 before the conclusion of the match.

The report triggered public criticism against the media outlet for publishing a false story.

Reacting in a statement on Sunday, Jibrin Baba Ndace, director-general of VON, apologised to Nigerians over the misleading report.

He said the initial reviews by the VON management discovered an internal lapse and a likelihood of “security breach or identity theft through hacking”.

Ndace stated that the organisation has set up an internal editorial process, including “an investigative desk and a fact-checking unit”. 

“As a public institution, we cannot rule out such cyber threats and are taking appropriate steps to enhance the security of our digital platforms,” the statement reads.

“It is important to clarify that while internal editorial processes are being reviewed and strengthened, we are not placing sole responsibility on any individual staff member, including the sports reporter initially associated with the story.

“Rather, this episode underscores the need for comprehensive institutional safeguards to prevent such occurrences in the future.

“As part of our ongoing internal reforms, we have introduced key editorial structures, including an Investigative Desk, a Fact-Checking Unit, and a Monitoring and Evaluation Team.

“We have also undertaken strategic staff redeployments to enhance accountability, build resilience, and boost editorial efficiency across our platforms.

“These reforms reflect our broader commitment to repositioning VON as a more responsive, transparent, and globally respected media institution.

“At Voice of Nigeria, we embrace the responsibility that comes with being Nigeria’s official international broadcaster. We remain steadfast in our dedication to our three pillars: People, Platform, and Partnership.”