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 AFCON 2025: Chelle reveals what will happen if Nigeria vs Morocco goes to penalties Head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has spoken about the possibility of their semi-final clash with Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations going to a penalty shoot-out. So far, only the last-16 clash between Mali and Tunisia was decided via spot-kicks at the tournament. Nigeria lost by penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoff in November. And when asked about his team’s preparations for a shoot-out in case the match against the Atlas Lions extends beyond extra-time, Chelle replied: “I will go to the mosque to pray to win if we get to a penalty shootout.” If the Eagles are able to beat the host whether in regulation time or penalties, they will take on Senegal or Egypt in Sunday’s final.

 AFCON: ‘Nigeria could punish us’ – Morocco coach Regragui on what Pharaohs must do Morocco coach, Walid Regragui has listed the things his team must do against Nigeria when both sides clash in the semi-final of the ongoing AFCON on Wednesday night. Regragui said the Pharaohs need to maintain focus and dominate individual battles against  Nigeria on the pitch. The 50-year-old stressed that any lapses in concentration could lead to the West Africans capitalizing on the Atlas Lions’ mistakes. “We need to concentrate and win our duels against Nigeria, and not retreat as we did against Cameroon, because they could punish us,” Regragui said at his pre-match interview on Tuesday. “We need to raise our level in the second half so as not to let Nigeria breathe and get back into the game or maintain their technical strength,” he added. Both Nigeria and Morocco enter the semi-final tie after winning their last games against Algeria and Ivory Coast, respectively.

 Popular gospel artist Bunmi Akinnanu, widely celebrated for her soul-stirring track “Omije Ojumi,” has died   A family source confirmed  her demise on Tuesday night although no formal announcement has been issued yet.  Additional information surrounding her death is expected to be made public in the days ahead. Her death comes after a prolonged period of concerns among fans, marked by repeated calls for prayers as she struggled with a serious medical condition affecting her leg. Towards the end of 2025, a video showing the singer during a prayer session at G.F. David Ministries in Ibadan, Oyo State, surfaced online.  In the footage, she was seen seated with her leg stretched out while church leaders prayed fervently for her healing.  The clip sparked widespread alarm and sympathy as viewers grasped the gravity of her situation. At the service, the officiating pastor disclosed that Akinnanu had been suffering ongoing bleeding from the affected leg, leading ...

 ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT TO PROSECUTE BROTHEL OPERATORS OVER UNDERAGE CHILDREN The Anambra State Government has condemned in strong terms the discovery of thirty-five underage children from Ebonyi State in a brothel located in Aguleri, describing the incident as a horrific case of child trafficking and sexual exploitation. In a press statement issued today, through the commissioner for information Mr Law Mefor, the state government said the act represents a gross violation of human dignity, the Child Rights Act, and existing laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  The government emphasized that such crimes against minors are unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration has ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the incident, with a directive that all individuals involved be prosecuted in accordance with the law. The government noted that the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforceme...

 FG Plans N500 Billion Green Bond Issuance To Finance Climate Projects In 2026 The Federal Government plans to raise up to N500 billion through the issuance of green bonds in 2026 as part of efforts to secure alternative financing for climate-related and environmental projects. This was disclosed by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week on Tuesday, according to a Bloomberg report. The proposed issuance underscores Nigeria’s increasing use of climate-linked debt instruments to diversify funding sources beyond oil revenues and conventional borrowing. What the FG is saying Lawal stated that proceeds from the green bond sale would be allocated to projects aimed at improving air quality, expanding access to clean cooking fuels, and addressing deforestation. He noted that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader climate commitments and environmental sustainability goals, while also leveraging growing global investor interest in gr...

 Tunisian journalist Chatha Belhaj Mubarak freed after sentence cut A Tunisian appeal court on Wednesday ordered the release of journalist Chatha Belhaj Mubarak, jailed since 2023 in a conspiracy case, after reducing her prison sentence, her family said. The court cut her sentence from five years to two, making her eligible for immediate release, her brother told Reuters. She was convicted in the so-called "Instalingo" case, which involved politicians, media figures and other defendants accused of conspiracy and financial crimes. Belhaj Mubarak denied the charges. "Chatha is free and leaving prison," her brother, Amen Belhaj Mubarak, said. He said her health had severely deteriorated during her time in prison. She suffered serious complications, including significant hearing loss, and was diagnosed with cancer in detention, he added. Tunisian authorities have said the case stems from judicial investigations into alleged financial and security-related offences, and h...

 Burkina Faso sack coach after Cup of Nations disappointment Burkina Faso have sacked coach Brama Traore after their last 16 exit at the Africa Cup of Nations, making him the second coaching casualty of tournament in Morocco. Traore, 63, took his side to second place in their group but they were easily trounced 3-0 by Ivory Coast in the first knockout round one week ago. "Following a thorough analysis of Burkina Faso's participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, it has been decided to terminate collaboration with the national coach Brama Traore, as well as his entire technical staff," said a Burkinabe Football Federation statement on Wednesday, Reuters reported. "This decision follows results deemed to fall far short of the objectives set for the national team in this major continental competition. This poor performance has caused deep disappointment among supporters, stakeholders in national football, and governing bodies. "As a reminder, the clearly establishe...

 Construction crane collapses onto passenger train in Thailand, killing at least 31 At least 31 people were killed Wednesday when a construction crane for a high-speed rail bridge collapsed onto a moving passenger train in Thailand, officials reported. Another 64 people were injured, with thirty of the dead pronounced at the scene and one more dying while being transported to a hospital, according to the Thai Ministry of Public Health. The accident occurred around 9 a.m. as the train traveled between Nong Nam Khun and Sikhiu stations in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The crane struck the train, causing it to derail and catch fire, leaving many passengers trapped in the carriages. The train, which departed from Bangkok, was carrying 195 passengers and staff members. Multiple rescue teams were deployed to assist those trapped and injured. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said investigators were working at the scene to identify victims and verify the ...

 Trevor Noah set to host the Grammys for a final time in 2026 Trevor Noah is set to return to the Grammy Awards stage for one final time. CBS confirmed Tuesday that the Emmy-winning comedian will host the 2026 Grammys, marking his sixth and last time as master of ceremonies. In addition to hosting, Noah will also serve as an executive producer for the show. Noah first took on Grammy hosting duties in 2021 while still leading “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central and continued to host and produce the ceremony even after leaving the late-night program in December 2022. “Trevor Noah has been the most phenomenal host of the show—so smart, so funny, and a true fan of the artists and music,” said Grammy executive producer Ben Winston. “We are thrilled to welcome him back for his sixth and final time, and we can’t wait to do it together one last time.” The 2026 ceremony will also close CBS’s long run as the Grammys’ broadcast home. Beginning in 2027, the awards show will move to ABC under a ...

 Former NFL player Sam Beal has been missing for seven months  Former NFL player Sam Beal has been missing for seven months, federal authorities confirmed. Beal, who played cornerback for the New York Giants, was last seen near Virginia Beach, Virginia, on July 12, 2025. He was 28 at the time and would now be 29. According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, Beal’s girlfriend was the last person to see him. She said he borrowed her car to go to work, but later called to say he was in Virginia Beach and on his way home. Beal has not been heard from or seen since that call. Officials noted that he likely brought only his clothes, extra shoes, and a wallet containing his credit card and driver’s license. When a family member recovered the vehicle in Virginia Beach, Beal’s shoes and socks were found inside, along with sand. His sister, Essence Zhane, shared a Facebook post on Jan. 12, urging anyone with information to come forward. She included a photo of a pa...

 Author Colleen Hoover announces she is receiving cancer treatment Bestselling author Colleen Hoover has shared that she is undergoing cancer treatment, posting an update on Instagram earlier this week. Hoover, known for novels such as It Ends With Us and Verity, shared a photo Monday of herself in a hospital gown with the caption, “Second to last day of radiation!” She added praise for her care team, writing, “I wish I could blame my hair and facial expressions on @texas.oncology, but they’ve been great. Hope you never need them, but highly recommend them.” While Hoover has not specified the type of cancer, she previously explained in a Facebook post that genetic testing indicated the cancer was not linked to family history, HPV, or hormonal factors. She attributed the diagnosis to environmental or lifestyle factors, citing stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise. “I’m happy and grateful to be alive, but I hate vegetables. I hate when I have to get off the couch. I hate sweating,”...

It was reported that Ifeanyi Ubah built 90% of this church before he died.  At the dedication of the new Nnewi Catholic Diocese Cathedral, Our Lady of Assumption, a brief dramatic moment occurred.  James Louis (Ebube Anaed) was seen weeping and shouting  "Ifeanyi ndo" which means Ifeanyi sorry, referring to Senator Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Uba, who according to him was not recognized at all, during the dedication service despite starting the church project.  He went further to declare that he has stopped being a Christian from today because of the incident, citing that the church has no regard for their members.  Amidst the viral video about Sen. Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, not given due recognition during the dedication ceremony of our lady Assumption catholic cathedral Nnewi. Pictures of when (he) Senator Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah started the building of the Nnewi catholic  cathedral building has surfaced online. Watch video and pictures below. 

 Yesterday at Umuoji, a man named Mr Basil Ejike was buried, he died after drinking and eating pork meat with his friend at a beer parlor. According to the story, Mr Ejike, Age 50 returned from Lagos for a burial in his hometown Omuoji and he was just passing and he saw his friend enjoying a beer parlour and he decided to join his friend,so he took some pork meat from his friends plate.... They both ate and discussed as long time friends and everyone went their separate ways after they were done. That same night his stomach started biting him and it became more serious that his family started asking him,, what did u eat he said it was just pork meat he took from his friends plate. Unfortunately, before they could reach the hospital he gave up. the worst part of it is that the friend he ate from his plate was also found dead that same night. Both of them lost their lives after eating the meat they bought from this shop in the picture below.... The youth of the village sealed the sho...

 APGA has remained, as it often is today, a one-state party in terms of influence. We did it to be so, myself and Mr. Peter Obi -Sen Victor Umeh  ‎In an interview with Daily Independent on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, has explained how the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) became largely limited to Anambra State in terms of political influence. ‎He said the situation did not happen by accident but was a result of deliberate political strategy taken many years ago. ‎Umeh said APGA was built with a clear focus on Anambra State, according to him, the party’s strength and structure were intentionally concentrated in the state to secure power and stability ‎He explained that both he and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, played key roles in shaping the party in that direction. ‎He noted that APGA grew into a dominant political force in Anambra because its leaders invested their energy and resources there, the party focuse...

 The United States Embassy in Abuja has reopened its newly redesigned American Centre at the Embassy Chancery, featuring modern learning and innovation facilities to strengthen US–Nigeria relations. U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills, Jr., said the revitalised centre will serve as a hub for education, creativity and professional development, offering programmes in educational advising, entrepreneurship and digital literacy. The centre now includes upgraded technology, flexible learning spaces and colourful murals celebrating American history, innovation and shared democratic values. Country Public Diplomacy Counsellor, Lee McManis, noted that the centre joins 29 other American Spaces across Nigeria, helping to deepen people-to-people ties between both countries. The Embassy said the reopening shows its continued commitment to education, cultural exchange and capacity building for Nigerians.

 The Anambra State Government has cautioned churches located close to schools to stop activities that distract and disrupt academic learning through excessive noise. The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, issued the warning on Wednesday while addressing a complaint of noise pollution affecting a private school in Onitsha. The warning followed a petition by the school’s Proprietress, Lady Ngozi Udeh, against Divine Dominion Prophetic Ministry, Onitsha, which is located directly opposite the school.          According to the petition, the church constructed its auditorium in 2024 and has recently intensified its activities, generating excessive noise, especially on Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The petitioner said the loud noise has consistently distracted students and teachers, severely disrupting teaching and learning during official school hours, adding that several verbal appeals to the church leadership had yielded no results. While...

 Governor Soludo Graces the dedication of Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral Nnewi, hails the Cathedral as the biggest in Nigeria and also Appreciates Ndi Nnewi and Anambra at large for their Consensus votes. At the dedication of Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral Nnewi, the executive Governor of Anambra, Prof Chukwuma Soludo appreciated Ndi Anambra for voting for him during the November 8 Anambra Election in 2025. The Governor also commended the clergymen for their commitment and work in the church of God.Soludo stated  that Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral is arguably the biggest cathedral in Nigeria.

 Tunisian Football Federation is ready to offer Chelle a massive $100,000 monthly salary to lead the Carthage Eagles at the 2026 World Cup.  Reports suggest Tunisia are keen to lure Chelle away from Nigeria, seeing his recent achievements with the Super Eagles at AFCON as proof of his ability to turn teams into title contenders.

 Press Statement  FG to Super Eagles: Nigeria Stands With You, Win the Game  Dear Super Eagles, As you prepare to face Morocco in the AFCON semifinals, I want you to know that the whole of Nigeria stands firmly with you. Your journey so far has been inspiring. Match after match, you have shown discipline, courage, and belief, reminding us why the Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most respected teams. You have been here before. You know what it takes to win at this level. From past AFCON triumphs to victories against tough opponents, you have always carried Nigeria’s flag with pride. Those victories were not accidents. They came from teamwork, confidence, and a fighting spirit. You have shown that same spirit in this tournament. As you step onto the pitch, remember that you are not alone. You carry the hopes of millions of Nigerians. They believe in you and draw strength from your performances. Play with the confidence of champions, the unity of brothers, and hunger. Kn...

 Kano resident: How my wife died after hospital left scissors in her stomach The Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, Kano, has been accused of medical negligence resulting in the death of Aishatu Umar, a patient. The deceased’s husband, Abubakar Muhammad, alleged that his wife died from complications linked to a surgical procedure carried out at the facility. Daily Trust gathered that she passed away in the early hours of Monday. Scissors was reportedly left in her stomach after surgery. Muhammad told Daily Trust that the deceased, who fell ill some months ago, underwent surgery at the health facility in September. He said after the operation, she began experiencing severe abdominal pain. According to him, “Each time she returned to the hospital to complain, she was only given pain-relief medication without further investigation. They usually tell her that the pain is normal for patients who underwent surgery, but never recommended x-ray or any scanning,” the husband said. Muhammad said ...

 World Bank raises Nigeria’s 2026 economic growth rate projection to 4.4% The World Bank has increased its projection for Nigeria’s economic growth rate for 2026 to 4.4 percent from the 3.7 percent forecasted in June 2025. World Bank announced the increase in its 2026 ‘Global Economic Prospects’ report on Tuesday. The global financial institution also upgraded Nigeria’s economic growth rate for 2027 to 4.4 percent from 3.8 percent. In addition, Bretton Woods institution estimated that Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.2 percent in 2025, compared to the 3.6 percent forecasted in June last year. Also, the World Bank increased its 2026 global economic growth rate projection from 2.4 percent to 2.6 percent. In the report, the financial institution also estimated 2.7 percent economic growth rate for 2025 period compared to the 2.3 percent forecasted in June last year. According to the report, the 2027 global economic growth rate is projected at 2.7 percent, compared to the 2.6 percent forecas...

 Nigerian caregiver arrested in Canada over alleged assaults Toronto police have arrested Oghenemaro Dave Ejerua, a 38-year-old Nigerian caregiver, over alleged assaults on vulnerable adults at an East Toronto group home. He faces seven counts of assault linked to incidents in November 2025 and is expected to appear in court. The allegations have not been tested.

 ANAMBRA SECURITY: MASQUERADE INVOLVED IN UNPROVOKED AND VIOLENT ATTACKS IN AWGBU NOW IN POLICE CUSTODY The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public, especially Ndi Anambra and other concerned persons, that the Command has taken into custody the masquerade involved in the unprovoked and violent attacks on innocent citizens, which led to a breach of public peace in Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government Area. The Command notes that the behaviour of the masquerade, as seen in the viral video currently in circulation, is totally unacceptable, unlawful, and will not be tolerated under any guise.  The suspect is currently in Police custody, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice. Further development shall be communicated, please SP Tochukwu Ikenga Police Public Relations Officer Anambra State Police Command 14th January, 2026

 Ethiopia’s spy chief visits Somalia amid Horn of Africa tensions: Report Ethiopia’s intelligence chief Redwan Hussein made an unannounced visit to Somalia, where he met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, amid heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa, Somali media reported. Hussein met Mohamud at the presidential palace, Villa Somalia, to deliver a message from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, though the contents were not made public, according to Somali local media. He also held talks with Mahad Salad, head of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency, at the agency’s headquarters, Anadolu Agency reported. Neither the Ethiopian nor Somali governments issued an official statement on the visit or disclosed details of the meetings. The visit comes against the backdrop of renewed regional tensions following Israel’s announcement on December 26 recognising Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a move that made Tel Aviv the onl...

 Kaduna Govt Sets Records Straight On Zidane's Trial, Dismisses Social Media Misinformation  The Kaduna State Government has dismissed as false and misleading the narratives circulating on social media over the conviction of Victor Solomon, popularly known as Zidane, insisting that the judicial process was transparent, lawful and grounded strictly in evidence. Addressing public speculation surrounding the judgment delivered on January 6, 2026, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Sir James A. Kanyip, KSM, PhD, clarified that Solomon faced two separate criminal trials, before two different High Courts, over distinct offences involving different victims. “There is no contradiction in the court outcomes being referenced online. Victor Solomon was tried in two completely different cases. He was acquitted in one in 2024, but lawfully convicted in another in 2026 based on the evidence before the court,” Kanyip stated. The Attorney-General explained that the f...

 Women of Imobi Community in Abia State Protest Alleged Illegal Granite Mining, Demand Governor Otti's Intervention Scores of women from Imobi Autonomous Community in Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday to demand immediate intervention by Governor Alex Otti and the state government to halt what they describe as illegal granite mining operations in their area. The protesters, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “The consent letter was signed by improper persons and should be forfeited”, “No change of consent letter, no commencement of quarry operations”, “Lime I International Nigeria Ltd is not known to our community”, and “No community development agreement with Imobi, no commencement of quarry operations”, expressed strong opposition to the mining activities. They raised concerns over potential environmental hazards, including degradation that could affect farmlands, water sources, and the overall well-being of the co...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND         PRESS RELEASE  The editors, Police Rescued Kidnapped Victim, Hunting Suspects The Divisional Police Officer, Nabordo Division, received an intelligence report from a good samaritan that on the 3rd January, 2026 at about 0330hrs, unknown gunmen numbering about 12 armed with prohibited firearms stormed Dagga village and kidnapped one Mr. Kasimu Adamu, 45 years old to an unknown destination. Upon receipt of the report, a team of Police operatives in conjunction with local hunters, led by the DPO, SP Muhammad Garba acted promptly. They engaged the hoodlums and successfully rescued the victim unhurt while the perpetrators took to their heels. Efforts have been intensified to trace and arrest the culprits. The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Police Command, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu psc (+), mni urged the good people of Bauchi to continue cooperating and supporting the Police with timely and reliable information for effective...

  PRESS RELEASE DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND FOILS PLANNED KIDNAP, AND RECOVERS  ONE (1) FNC RIFLE WITH ONE (1) ROUND OF LIVE AMMUNITION, ONE (1) PUMP-ACTION GUN WITH THIRTY-THREE (33) ROUNDS OF LIVE CARTRIDGES The Delta State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across the State, following the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and other incriminating items by operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT). Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of CP-SAT received information that about six (6) suspected kidnappers were sighted at a bush path along the Upper Agbarho area. Consequently, at about 2135 hours on 11th January 2026, the operatives led by ASP Julius Robinson, in collaboration with the community vigilantes, carried out a well-coordinated covert operation and cordoned off the criminal hideout located in an uncompleted building within the area. Upon sighting th...

Three brothers who died in Lagos market fire laid to rest The remains of the three Omatu brothers who d!ed in the fire incident that rocked the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island, Lagos State, have been laid to rest in Ihiala, Anambra State.  The three brothers were trapped in the building gutted by fire on December 24, 2025. The fire started raging on the fourth floor and spread to the sixth floor of the plaza before engulfing the remaining floors and adjoining structures.  The Omatu family lost three brothers identified as Steve, 40; Casmir, 39; and Collins, 37.  A surviving twin, Camillus Omatu, reportedly escaped the blaze. May their souls rest in peace, Amen. Watch video below. 

 PRESS RELEASE FG HONOURS ARMY CHIEF, OTHERS AT AFCRD 2026 AWARDS CEREMONY The Federal Government has conferred various honours on serving personnel and veterans of the Nigerian Army in recognition of gallantry, sacrifice, innovation, exemplary leadership and post-service contributions to national development. The awards were presented during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala Night held at the Banquet Hall State House on Tuesday, 13 January, 2026, in Abuja. Among the recipients was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutrnant General Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award for exemplifying selfless service and providing decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres. Other recipients of the Service and Sacrifice Award include Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI and Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, N...