Tag: Nigeria

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 has reached its business end, with CAF officially confirming the quarter-final fixtures following the conclusion of the Round of 16 matches in Morocco.

The last eight features some of Africa’s biggest footballing nations, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes encounters as teams battle for a place in the semi-finals.

AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Fixtures

Friday, January 9, 2026

• Mali vs Senegal – Grand Stade de Tangier
• Cameroon vs Morocco – Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat

Saturday, January 10, 2026

• Algeria vs Nigeria – Stade de Marrakech
• Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire – Stade Adrar, Agadir

The quarter-finals deliver several classic African football rivalries and high-profile matchups.

West African neighbours Mali and Senegal face off in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter, with both sides showing tactical discipline and defensive solidity throughout the tournament.

Hosts Morocco will rely on home support as they take on five-time champions Cameroon, a team known for thriving under pressure in knockout stages.

One of the standout ties sees Nigeria square off against Algeria, a clash between two continental heavyweights with rich AFCON histories. Both teams come into the game with strong momentum after convincing Round of 16 performances.

Meanwhile, Egypt meet Côte d’Ivoire in a fixture that pits AFCON’s most successful nation against the former champions, adding extra weight to an already high-profile contest.

With no clear favourites remaining, AFCON 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent years. The winners of these fixtures will advance to the semi-finals, keeping their hopes of continental glory firmly alive.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Orientation Course will officially commence on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, across all orientation camps nationwide.

The announcement confirms the start of activities for prospective corps members following months of anticipation, marking the beginning of another service year under the NYSC scheme.

Key Dates and Schedule

According to the official schedule released by the NYSC, reporting and registration for the 2026 Batch ‘A’ corps members will begin on January 21 and run until midnight on January 23, 2026. Prospective corps members are expected to complete all registration formalities within this window at their respective orientation camps.

The swearing-in ceremony, a major highlight of the orientation programme, is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 23, 2026, officially inducting the corps members into national service.

The orientation course will span three weeks, with the closing ceremony fixed for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, after which corps members will be posted to their various places of primary assignment (PPA).

The orientation course will be held simultaneously in all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), continuing NYSC’s long-standing tradition of nationwide participation and integration.

During the camp period, corps members will undergo paramilitary drills, lectures, skill acquisition training, and cultural integration activities, designed to prepare them for the service year ahead.

The Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 delivered contrasting narratives as Egypt edged past Benin after extra time, while Nigeria produced a commanding display to dismantle Mozambique, sealing their place in the quarterfinals.

Egypt 3–1 Benin

Egypt booked their quarterfinal spot after a dramatic 3–1 extra-time victory over Benin in Agadir.

The breakthrough arrived in the 69th minute when Marwan Attia struck from distance, but Benin responded late through Jodel Dossou’s 83rd-minute equaliser, forcing extra time.

In the additional period, Egypt’s experience proved decisive. Yasser Ibrahim restored the lead in the 97th minute, before Mohamed Salah sealed the win in the 124th minute, ending Benin’s resistance.

Final Score:

• Egypt 3–1 Benin (after extra time)

• Goals: Attia (69′), Ibrahim (97′), Salah (124′); Dossou (83′)

Nigeria 4–0 Mozambique

Nigeria delivered one of the most emphatic performances of the knockout stage, defeating Mozambique 4–0 to book their place in the AFCON quarterfinals.

The Super Eagles set the tone early when Ademola Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Just five minutes later, Victor Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s advantage, finishing clinically to put Mozambique under severe pressure.

Osimhen struck again shortly after the restart in the 47th minute, effectively ending the contest. Nigeria continued to dominate and were rewarded once more when A. Adams added a fourth goal in the 75th minute, completing a comprehensive victory.

Final Score:

• Nigeria 4–0 Mozambique

• Goals: A. Lookman (20′), V. Osimhen (25′, 47′), A. Adams (75′)

AFCON 2025 Quarterfinalists So Far

With Round of 16 matches now concluded up to January 5, the following teams have secured quarterfinal places:

• Senegal
• Mali
• Morocco
• Cameroon
• Egypt
• Nigeria

The remaining Round of 16 fixtures will determine the final spots as the tournament heads deeper into its decisive phase.

OPay has quietly introduced a ₦9,999 preset transfer option in its app, and Nigerians are paying close attention. The move comes amid growing concerns over the ₦50 stamp duty now applied to electronic transfers of ₦10,000 and above, a policy that officially took effect at the start of 2026.

While ₦50 may seem insignificant on its own, frequent transfers mean the cost adds up quickly. For millions of Nigerians who rely on fintech apps for daily transactions, even small deductions matter.

OPay’s new transfer option appears to offer a simple workaround, staying just below the threshold where stamp duty applies.

Understanding the ₦50 Stamp Duty on Bank Transfers

Under Nigeria’s updated stamp duty framework:

• Electronic transfers of ₦10,000 or more attract a ₦50 stamp duty
• The charge is deducted from the sender
• Transfers below ₦10,000 are exempt
• The rule applies across banks and fintech platforms

The policy is part of broader government efforts to improve tax compliance and generate revenue through digital transactions. However, its rollout has been met with mixed reactions, especially from users who make multiple transfers daily.

What the ₦9,999 Transfer Option Does

OPay’s ₦9,999 button allows users to send money without triggering the stamp duty charge. Instead of manually typing an amount, users can now select a preset value that keeps the transaction just under the ₦10,000 mark.

The feature:

• Reduces friction for users trying to avoid extra charges
• Speeds up transfers with a one-tap option
• Reflects how Nigerians already adjust spending habits around policy thresholds

OPay has not officially stated that the feature was designed to bypass stamp duty, but the timing and amount strongly suggest a response to user behaviour and concerns.

On social media, many users say they were already sending ₦9,999 manually before the update. The difference now is convenience.

Some users also admit to splitting larger transfers into multiple ₦9,999 transactions. While this is not illegal, financial experts advise moderation, as excessive micro-transactions can sometimes raise flags on financial platforms.

Tyler Perry’s psychological drama Straw has emerged as Nigeria’s most-searched movie of 2025, according to Google’s official Year in Search data.

The film, which stars Taraji P. Henson, as a desperate single mother pushed to her limits, dominated movie related searches in Nigeria throughout the year, outperforming both major Hollywood releases and popular Nollywood titles.

The ranking highlights the strong connection Nigerian audiences had with the film’s emotional themes and central performance.

At the core of Straw is a story about economic pressure, motherhood, survival, and moral choices under extreme stress; themes that strongly resonate with viewers in Nigeria.

Taraji P. Henson’s intense performance sparked widespread online conversation, with many viewers searching for:

• Plot explanations
• Reviews and reactions
• Character motivations
• Tyler Perry’s creative choices

Perry’s focus on family struggles, economic hardship, and emotional resilience aligns closely with themes that often trend well among Nigerian audiences, especially on streaming platforms and social media.

Google Year in Search

Google’s Year in Search rankings are based on search growth, not total views or box office numbers. This means Straw recorded the highest spike in interest among Nigerian users compared to other films released in 2025.

The list reflects what Nigerians were most curious about, the movies that drove conversations, debates, and repeat searches throughout the year.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has formally suspended the nationwide enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy, originally scheduled to commence on January 2, 2026, following an interim court order restraining its implementation. 

In a statement issued by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, the Nigeria Police disclosed that it was served with an interim order of court in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, issued on 17 December 2025, which restrains the Force from enforcing the tinted glass permit policy pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or until the order is lifted. 

The statement emphasised that, in strict compliance with the subsisting court order, the enforcement has been placed on hold nationwide until further direction from the judiciary. 

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that it has entered an appearance in the matter, filed preliminary objections, and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order. The matter has been adjourned to 20 January 2026 for further proceedings. 

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, further explained the Force’s commitment to uphold the rule of law while continuing its statutory responsibilities to protect lives and property across the nation. 

The Tinted Glass Permit policy was first introduced by the Nigeria Police as part of efforts to strengthen internal security and public safety by regulating the use of tinted vehicle glass, which authorities have linked to concealment in criminal activities. 

Originally announced to take effect on 2 January 2026, the policy required motorists to obtain permits for vehicles fitted with tinted glass, with applications processed via a digital portal. The initiative had been paused or extended multiple times due to public pushback and legal disputes. 

The policy has faced sustained legal challenges and criticism from civil rights organisations, legal bodies, and motorists. Critics argue that the Nigeria Police lacks statutory authority to impose tinted glass permits on vehicle owners and have questioned the constitutionality and fairness of the policy. 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has been particularly vocal, describing the policy as potentially illegal and unconstitutional and has engaged in court actions challenging its enforcement. 

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) delivered a dramatic final round of Group C and Group D matches on Tuesday, 30 December, as teams battled for a place in the Round of 16. From Nigeria’s perfect group stage to Senegal’s clinical win and Tanzania’s historic progression, here’s a complete rundown of today’s matches with goal scorers. 

Uganda 1–3 Nigeria

Nigeria capped off their group stage with a 3–1 victory over Uganda in Fès. Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Raphael Onyedika added a brace in the 62nd and 67th minutes. Uganda pulled one back late through Rogers Mato in the 75th minute, but it was too little too late. 

The Super Eagles finish the group stage with a perfect 3‑0 record, topping Group C and entering the knockout stages with high spirit. 

Tanzania 1–1 Tunisia

Tanzania earned a historic 1–1 draw with Tunisia, securing their first-ever AFCON Round of 16 qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. Tunisia went ahead from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute via Ismaël Gharbi, but Tanzania responded immediately after halftime with Feisal Salum scoring in the 47th minute.:

This draw marks a milestone in Tanzanian football history, as the Taifa Stars advance to the knockout stage for the first time in AFCON. 

Benin 0–3 Senegal

Senegal confirmed their Group D dominance with a 3–0 win over Benin. Abdoulaye Seck opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a powerful header, Habib Diallo doubled the lead in the 70th minute, and Iliman Ndiaye sealed the victory in the 90th minute. 

Botswana 0–3 DR Congo

DR Congo finished second in Group D with a convincing 3–0 win over Botswana. Nathanaël Mbuku opened the scoring in the 31st minute, followed by Gaël Kakuta, who converted a penalty in the 41st minute and added a third in the 60th minute.

The Africa Cup of Nations continued on Saturday, December 27, with a mix of history-making moments, tight battles, and shared points across multiple grounds. Benin recorded their first-ever AFCON victory, Senegal were held despite a Sadio Mané strike, and Uganda vs Tanzania produced a balanced East African stalemate. Nigeria qualify to the knockout rounds as they beat Tunisia after full time.

FULL MATCH RESULTS & ANALYSIS

Benin 1–0 Botswana

Benin’s win marks a historic moment for the national team as they registered their first victory at the Africa Cup of Nations. Yohan Roche scored the decisive goal, and Benin’s defensive shape held strong until the final whistle. This result immediately shifts the tone of their AFCON campaign and places them in a competitive group position.

Senegal 1–1 DR Congo

As former champions, Senegal entered with expectations, but DR Congo made sure there was no easy night in Marrakech. Congo took the lead before Sadio Mané produced the equaliser that kept Senegal in the contest. The result puts pressure on Senegal heading into the next round, proving the championship path this year won’t be simple.

Uganda 1–1 Tanzania

The East African derby lived up to expectations. It was physical, aggressive, and filled with tactical battles across the pitch. Uganda tried to stretch the game with direct play, while Tanzania used midfield control to push back. In the end, both teams left with a point; a fair result, but one that increases qualification pressure moving forward.

Nigeria vs Tunisia 

Highlight of the night at Fez Stadium, Nigeria edged Tunisia 3–2 to strengthen their position in the group. Victor Osimhen opened the scoring in the 44th minute, giving the Super Eagles a halftime lead. Just after the break, Wilfred Ndidi doubled the advantage in the 50th minute, and Ademola Lookman added a third in the 67th minute, seemingly putting the game out of reach.

Tunisia fought back late with Mohamed Talbi scoring in the 74th minute and Amine Abdi converting a penalty in the 87th, but Nigeria held on for the win. The result keeps Nigeria firmly in contention for the knockout stages while Tunisia will need a strong response in their next match.

Finding your personal style doesn’t have to be expensive. Many young people feel pressured to keep up with trends or match what they see on social media, but style isn’t about buying everything new, it’s about building a simple wardrobe that fits your life, your budget, and your personality.

This guide breaks down the basic fashion essentials you actually need, how to style them, and how to grow your wardrobe smartly over time.

A Starter Wardrobe

A good starter wardrobe helps you:

• Look put-together without trying too hard
• Save money by avoiding unnecessary buying
• Build confidence in how you look and show up
• Create outfits easily instead of stressing every morning

It’s not about dressing to impress others, it’s about owning pieces that make you feel good.

These are simple, affordable items that mix and match easily:

1. Basic Tops

• Plain black, white, and neutral T-shirts
• A few graphic or personality tees for casual days
• Simple shirts for events, school programs, or outings

2. Bottoms That Fit Your Lifestyle

• A pair of well-fitting jeans (blue or black)
• Casual shorts (for everyday wear)
• Joggers or cargo pants (comfortable but stylish)

Tip: Fit matters more than price. If it fits nicely, it looks good.

3. Footwear You Can Rely On

• Sneakers for everyday use
• Simple sandals or slides
• One cleaner pair for outings, events, or family functions

You don’t need 10 shoes – 3 versatile pairs can cover most situations.

4. Light Layers

• A hoodie or sweatshirt
• A denim or simple bomber jacket

Layers make outfits look planned even when they’re simple.

5. Accessories 

• Wristwatch (basic)
• Cap
• Simple bag/backpack for daily use

Accessories aren’t about flexing, they just complete your look and make it feel organized.

How to Build Style Without Following Every Trend

If a trend fits your taste, go for it but don’t feel pressured to change your entire wardrobe every month. Instead:

• Start with basics, then add trend pieces slowly
• Choose items you can wear more than once
• Don’t buy something only because others like it

Style is personal not a competition.

• Wear what feels comfortable and true to you
• Build slowly: 1–2 pieces at a time is enough
• Don’t compare yourself to influencers their wardrobe isn’t your standard

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially received the houses and land grants promised to them following their impressive run at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

The presentation of the documents took place on Monday at the team’s camp in Fez, Morocco, where the players are currently preparing for the 2025 AFCON tournament. The development puts an end to months of public discussion over the delayed rewards.

After Nigeria finished as runners-up at AFCON 2023, the federal government had announced a reward package for the players and officials in recognition of their performance. The package included housing allocations, land grants, and national honours.

This week, officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC), alongside representatives of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), handed over the certificates and title documents to the players, confirming that the pledge has now been fulfilled.

Each member of the AFCON squad received documents for a housing unit as well as plots of land, with locations spread across Abuja and Lagos, according to reports..

In addition to the property rewards, the Super Eagles players were also presented with certificates of national honours, most notably the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), awarded for their contribution to Nigerian football and national pride.

The honours were first announced shortly after the AFCON final in early 2024, but formal documentation has now been completed.

Boost Ahead of AFCON 2025

The timing of the gesture is significant, coming just days before Nigeria’s opening fixtures at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Beyond the material value, the fulfilment serves as a morale boost for the squad as they aim to go one step further than their AFCON 2023 finish.

Nigeria lost the 2023 final 2–1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire, narrowly missing out on a fourth continental title. As preparations continue in Morocco, hopes remain high that the Super Eagles can convert past lessons into success on the AFCON stage.