Tuesday, November 25, 2025
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Nigeria Signs Expanded UHC Compact, Extends Accountability to Private Sector and LGAs

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Nigeria took a landmark step toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) on Friday as the Federal Government and stakeholders signed the expanded UHC Compact Addendum, for the first time binding private sector actors, local government authorities, traditional institutions, and other ministries to shared accountability obligations.

The historic signing capped the 2025 Health Sector–Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR), held from November 12–14 at Transcorp Event Centre, Maitama, Abuja. Nearly 1,000 participants—double last year’s turnout—gathered, representing federal and state governments, development partners, private sector, academia, civil society, traditional leaders, ALGON, and the media.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, hailed the renewed commitments as “a decisive step to build a health system that delivers measurable results for every Nigerian, no matter who they are or where they live.”

Co-chaired by Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the three-day Review endorsed the Compact expansion, new digital tools, and performance resolutions to accelerate the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and advance UHC.

The Addendum introduces a transparent “Ask-and-Offer” framework and responds to evolving global health financing trends by integrating non-state actors into Nigeria’s accountability architecture.

Key Progress Under NHSRII Spotlight Sessions:

  • Maternal mortality reduced by up to 17% in early-implementing LGAs under the MAMII initiative
  • Enhanced PHC functionality, emergency referrals, and health insurance enrollment
  • Growth in local pharmaceutical and diagnostics manufacturing
  • Strengthened surveillance, laboratory systems, and emergency operations
  • Data-driven governance reforms amid anticipated declines in external funding

Digital Innovations Showcased:

  • BHCPF digital platform
  • National e-learning system for health workers
  • PHC revitalization dashboards
  • SAVE MAMA (RESMAT)
  • NHIA digital claims platform

Stakeholders emphasized that digitalization is central to transparency and real-time monitoring.

In a groundbreaking move, the JAR hosted an open dialogue on corruption, reviewing BHCPF utilization and cross-agency audits. Participants confronted persistent challenges: ghost workers, irregular payments, double expenditures, and weak fiscal tracking.

Anti-Corruption Resolutions:

  • Biometric verification across all PHCs and insurance platforms by Q1 2026
  • Digital expenditure tracking in BHCPF facilities by Q3 2026

An expanded Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee (ICC) session tackled immunization performance, vaccine financing, and data quality, stressing the need for predictable counterpart funding and reliance on validated data sources.

The JAR Learning Exhibition featured over 45 abstracts and exhibits, while the People’s Pulse Town Hall amplified citizen voices on cost, service quality, health worker conduct, and facility responsiveness.

Newly Launched National Frameworks:

  • National CEmONC Facility Readiness Assessment Report
  • Climate and Health National Adaptation Plan
  • Second National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS-2)
  • N-CAS Strategy for harmonized campaigns
  • Mini-DHS Framework for annual outcome tracking
  • Data visibility tools: HSSB, NHFR, NHMIS Assessment, MSDAT

Prof. Pate concluded: “The Review highlighted strong gains but also clear gaps. With renewed accountability, digital rigor, and collective resolve, Nigeria is building a health system that truly delivers for everyone.”

Brigade Commander Leads Troops Out of Wajiroko Ambush in Borno

By
Ola Akinola
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Damboa, Borno State – The Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General M. Uba, personally led his patrol team to safety after insurgents ambushed them near Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa Local Government Area, on Friday.

The joint patrol—comprising soldiers from 25 Task Force Brigade and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)—had just completed a successful security sweep along the fringes of Sambisa Forest when it came under intense fire while returning to base.

Outgunned but undeterred, the troops responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the attackers to flee in disarray and abandon their assault.

The fierce exchange claimed the lives of two soldiers and two CJTF members. The Nigerian Army High Command commended the patrol’s gallantry while extending condolences to the families of the fallen.

Military authorities have strongly refuted online reports falsely claiming the Brigade Commander was abducted, urging the public to dismiss such misinformation.

In a statement, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (Nigerian Army Medal) praised the troops’ “uncommon bravery, resilience, and sacrifice” in one of the nation’s most perilous conflict zones, reaffirming their critical role in safeguarding Nigeria.

Notorious Ansaru Commander Obadaki Recaptured After Three-Year Manhunt

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA, Nigeria – In a significant blow to one of Nigeria’s most elusive terror networks, the Department of State Services (DSS) announced the recapture of Abdulazeez Obadaki, a top Ansaru commander accused of masterminding the 2012 massacre of 19 Christian worshippers at a Deeper Life Bible Church near Okene, Kogi State. The Friday morning operation in Okene’s Lafia Obessa area—described by sources as a “well-oiled intelligence effort”—ends over three years of evasion for the fugitive, who escaped during the infamous July 2022 Kuje Custodial Centre jailbreak. 2 3 4 11 12 13 15 17

Obadaki, also known as “Bomboy,” allegedly confessed during interrogation to orchestrating the Kuje breakout shortly after his transfer from Kabba Custodial Centre in June 2022, where he had been held for prior offenses. 11 12 15 17 20 The daring assault freed over 800 inmates, including high-value Boko Haram and Ansaru operatives, in one of Nigeria’s most humiliating security breaches. 13 14 19 21

A Trail of Bloodshed: From Church Massacre to Bank Heists

The 2012 Okene attack remains a scar on Nigeria’s interfaith landscape. On August 7, three AK-47-wielding gunmen stormed the Deeper Life service, killing 19—including Pastor Moses Osadolor—in a hail of bullets that injured dozens more. Initially pinned on Boko Haram, intelligence later traced it to Ansaru, an al-Qaeda splinter group focused on “anti-Western” strikes, with Obadaki as the alleged architect. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 The assault, in a restive North-Central hotspot, fueled recruitment for the group, which split from Boko Haram in 2012 over ideological rifts.

Post-escape, Obadaki’s shadow loomed over the February 2022 Uromi bank raids in Edo State. Five commercial branches were hit in broad daylight, leaving eight dead—including two policemen—and 12 injured, with robbers fleeing with hundreds of millions of naira. Security sources link Obadaki’s network to the chaos, which paralyzed the South-South region and exposed vulnerabilities in financial security. 3 8 12 15 17 19

The timing of Obadaki’s arrest—mere weeks after DSS arraigned five suspects in the June 2022 Owo Catholic Church bombing that killed 40—underscores a renewed offensive against Ansaru. 15 16 That attack, claimed by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), highlighted the group’s resurgence in the Southwest.

Confessions and Cracks in the Network

Interrogation revelations paint Obadaki as a linchpin: Beyond the church and banks, he allegedly coordinated the Kuje plot from inside, exploiting his Kabba transfer to relay instructions. 11 12 15 17 20 Security officials say his capture, alongside August’s arrests of Ansaru “emir” Mahmud Usman (Abu Bara’a) and deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri, signals the network’s unraveling—dismantling cells tied to uranium site plots, expatriate kidnappings, and emir abductions. 21

Under new Director-General Tosin Ajayi, appointed in August 2025, DSS has notched a string of wins: Over 150 high-value terrorists nabbed since January, per internal tallies, with accelerated trials via specialized courts. 16 “This is a testament to enhanced intelligence fusion,” a source told Premium Times, crediting tech upgrades and community tips. 11

Reactions: Relief Amid Lingering Fears

On X, the news sparked cautious optimism. “DSS don recapture Abdulaziz Obadaki, Ansaru big boy wey mastermind 2022 Kuje jailbreak—879 inmates comot, but na him plan! Justice go land now,” tweeted @priscanall, echoing viral posts with over 32,000 views. 0 Kogi Governor Usman Ododo hailed it as “a victory for peace,” vowing support for victims’ families. 3 Rights groups like Amnesty International urged swift prosecution, warning against “recidivism risks” in underfunded custodial systems.

Yet, experts caution: Ansaru’s decentralized cells—fueled by Sahel jihadist ties—could regroup. “One arrest doesn’t end the threat,” said North-Central analyst Kabiru Adamu. With 2026 polls nearing, Obadaki’s haul of intel could preempt more strikes, but Nigeria’s terror fight demands sustained investment.

As Obadaki faces arraignment—potentially joining Owo suspects in Abuja’s high-security courts—this recapture isn’t just closure for Okene’s ghosts; it’s a reminder that shadows linger in the North-Central’s folds.

S&P Lifts Nigeria’s Credit Outlook to ‘Positive’ Amid Reform Momentum

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA, Nigeria – In a vote of confidence for President Bola Tinubu’s economic overhaul, S&P Global Ratings upgraded Nigeria’s sovereign credit outlook to “positive” from “stable” on Friday, November 14, 2025, while affirming the long-term foreign and local currency ratings at “B-/B.” 0 1 2 3 4

The revision signals S&P’s expectation that Nigeria’s aggressive monetary, fiscal, and structural reforms—launched in 2023—will deliver sustained benefits, including higher growth and improved fiscal buffers over the medium term. 0 1 “The monetary, economic, and fiscal reforms being implemented by Nigerian authorities will yield positive benefits over the medium term,” the agency stated in its report, citing strengthened external reserves, rising oil production, and private sector confidence as key drivers. 0 3

S&P now forecasts average GDP growth of 3.7% annually from 2025–2028, up from its prior 3.2% estimate, bolstered by the Dangote Refinery’s full operations and gradual inflation moderation. 1 Inflation, however, is projected to linger above 20% in 2025–2026 before easing to 13% by 2028, amid persistent pressures from food costs and naira volatility. 7

A String of Positive Signals from Global Raters

The S&P move caps a series of encouraging assessments for Africa’s largest economy, which has grappled with decades of fiscal strain and oil dependence. In May 2025, Moody’s upgraded Nigeria’s rating one notch to “B3” from “Caa1,” praising enhancements in external buffers and fiscal discipline. 0 7 Fitch Ratings, in October 2025, maintained its “B” rating with a “stable” outlook, acknowledging reform progress despite implementation risks. 0

These upgrades reflect Tinubu’s bold 2023 playbook: the abrupt end to the $10 billion annual fuel subsidy, unification of the naira’s multiple exchange rates, and tax reforms aimed at broadening revenue beyond oil. 0 The measures, though sparking short-term pain—inflation hit 34.2% in mid-2024—have drawn $30 billion in foreign investment since inception, per Central Bank data, and stabilized reserves at $38 billion by October 2025. 3 6

Fiscal Lifelines and Lingering Shadows

To plug a 2025 budget deficit projected at 3.9% of GDP, Nigeria tapped international debt markets last week, raising $2.35 billion via a landmark Eurobond—its first since 2022—yielding 9.25% on a 10-year tranche amid strong investor demand. 0 2 6 Domestic borrowing continues through FGN bonds, with the Debt Management Office targeting ₦7.3 trillion ($4.3 billion) for the year.

Analysts, however, caution that execution remains the Achilles’ heel. “If sustained, these reforms could support long-term economic expansion,” S&P noted, but flagged risks from oil price swings—crude Brent hovered at $72 per barrel Friday—and geopolitical tensions in the Sahel. 0 5 CFG Advisory’s Tilewa Adebajo highlighted fiscal reporting gaps, with 2023–2024 accounts still pending, potentially complicating further upgrades. 6

On social media, reactions ranged from optimism—”Reforms paying off!”—to pragmatism: “Positive outlook, but naira needs to stabilize below ₦1,500/$.” 7 The naira traded at ₦1,620/$ in the investor window Friday, down 2% week-on-week.

A Glimmer for Investors?

This outlook shift could ease Nigeria’s borrowing costs, currently among Africa’s highest at 9–10% for sovereign debt, and lure more FDI into sectors like renewables and tech. Yet, with elections looming in 2027 and insecurity curbing non-oil growth, Tinubu’s team must navigate a tightrope. As S&P put it: Reforms are “on track,” but the jury on delivery is out.

For now, in a global landscape of rising U.S. rates and sluggish China demand, Nigeria’s positive pivot offers a rare bright spot for emerging markets.

Ondo State’s $50 Billion Refinery Deal: Promise, Peril, and the Pitfalls of Unverified Ambition

By
Ola Akinola
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0

AKURE, Nigeria – In a coastal enclave of Ilaje Local Government Area, where mangrove swamps meet the Atlantic’s restless waves, Ondo State is betting big on a vision to rival Africa’s industrial titans. On November 5, 2025, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sunshine Infrastructure Joint Venture (JV), a consortium led by Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (BINL), to build a 500,000-barrels-per-day (bpd) refinery and a sprawling 1,471-hectare free trade zone. Valued at over $50 billion—up from an initial $15 billion estimate—the project promises to eclipse Algeria’s Skikda facility as Africa’s second-largest refinery, trailing only the $19 billion Dangote behemoth in Lagos. 15 16 25

Proponents hail it as a “new dawn” for Ondo, a state rich in offshore oil but starved of processing muscle. Yet, as the ink dries, whispers of skepticism ripple through Abuja’s corridors and Ilaje’s fishing villages. Is this a blueprint for economic sovereignty, or another mirage in Nigeria’s long parade of mega-project pipe dreams? With no state funds at stake—Ondo is merely providing land—the deal’s allure is undeniable. But its perils, from opaque funding to environmental flashpoints, demand scrutiny before shovels break ground.

The Promise: A Catalyst for Industrial Renaissance

Ondo’s refinery gambit arrives amid Nigeria’s refining renaissance. The nation, Africa’s top oil producer with 1.4 million bpd output, imports 80% of its fuel due to moribund state plants. 33 Dangote’s 650,000 bpd monster, operational since early 2025, has slashed imports by 30%, but gaps persist. Enter Ondo: The JV’s $50 billion infusion—sourced from Canadian firm NEFEX Holdings and partners like China Harbour Engineering and Honeywell—would process 500,000 bpd, yielding gasoline, diesel, and petrochemicals for domestic and export markets. 15 17 18

Economic Windfalls:

  • Jobs and Growth: Construction could employ 15,000, with 5,000 permanent roles in refining and logistics. The free trade zone, a tax haven for manufacturers, might spawn ancillary industries in aviation, agriculture, and healthcare, injecting $2–3 billion annually into Ondo’s $5 billion GDP. 7 19
  • Energy Security: Paired with Dangote, the duo could refine 1.15 million bpd—enough for Nigeria’s needs and surplus for West Africa—saving $10 billion yearly in forex. 25
  • CSR Commitments: The JV pledges education scholarships, youth training, and infrastructure upgrades in Ilaje, a Niger Delta hotspot plagued by militancy and poverty. 16 22

Governor Aiyedatiwa, sworn in amid 2024’s political turbulence, frames it as diversification: “This marks a new dawn… fast-tracking industrial development.” 17 BINL’s chairman, former Senate President Ken Nnamani, adds gravitas, touting the phased rollout—starting with a 100,000 bpd modular unit in 48 months—as a “game-changer.” 34 On X, supporters echo the hype: “Ondo rising!” one user posted, sharing renderings of gleaming terminals. 11

The Perils: Echoes of Past Follies

Nigeria’s refinery ledger is littered with ghosts: The $1.5 billion Port Harcourt plant, built in 1989, idles at 20% capacity due to sabotage and neglect. Dangote’s odyssey, announced in 2013, ballooned from $9 billion to $19 billion amid forex woes and crude disputes. 36 Ondo’s blueprint risks similar snares.

Funding Fog: The $50 billion “secured” via NEFEX—a firm incorporated in 2024 with scant track record—smacks of overreach. Initial MoU pegged costs at $15 billion; the tripling lacks detailed breakdowns. 31 37 Partners like MJ Care Investment Finance have “no online presence,” per critics, evoking Equatorial Guinea’s Bata refinery scam—where opaque deals masked elite capture. 32 PDP chieftains call it a “publicity stunt,” questioning: “Where’s the feasibility study? Environmental clearance?” 35

Operational Hurdles:

  • Crude Crunch: NNPC’s allocation monopoly could starve the plant; Dangote battled for months over supply. 33
  • Timeline Traps: Phased build? Dangote took a decade. Rainy-season logistics in Ilaje—prone to floods—could delay by years. 36
  • Market Glut: With global oil demand peaking amid EVs, oversupply risks devaluing output. Nigeria’s naira volatility adds forex peril.

On X, doubters amplify: “Phantom project,” one thread decries, citing BINL’s unverified claims. 8 A Roving Reporters exposé warns of a “heist in the making,” urging audits. 31

Pitfalls of Unverified Ambition: Broader Lessons

Ondo’s deal isn’t isolated; it’s symptomatic of Nigeria’s “announce-and-forget” syndrome. Subnational megaprojects often falter on due diligence—recall Akwa Ibom’s $2 billion gas city, mired in litigation. The APC retorts: “No state money risked; sceptics lost us Dangote.” 30 Yet, land concessions bind future governments, and CSR pledges evaporate without oversight.

Environmental red flags loom largest. Ilaje, in the oil-soaked Niger Delta, bears scars from spills; a 500,000 bpd behemoth could amplify methane emissions and mangrove loss, clashing with Nigeria’s net-zero 2060 pledge. Community buy-in? Recent Navy raids dismantled illegal refineries nearby, signaling volatility. 38 Without EIA transparency, protests—like those that stalled Ogoniland projects—beckon.

Charting a Cautious Course Forward

This $50 billion wager could crown Ondo as Southwest’s energy jewel, exporting refined gold while curbing youth unrest. But peril lurks in haste: Rushed MoUs breed rot. Aiyedatiwa must mandate public audits, NNPC pacts, and Delta-wide consultations. As one analyst notes: “Capital’s easy; execution’s the Everest.” 33

In Ilaje’s salt-laced air, promise and peril collide. Will Ondo refine its future—or repeat history’s crude mistakes? The jury, like the first barrel, awaits.

Baba Ijesha Freed After Three Years: Appeal Court Overturns Conviction in High-Profile Assault Case

By
Ola Akinola
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0

LAGOS, Nigeria – Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, better known as Baba Ijesha, walked free from Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison on Friday, November 14, 2025, after the Court of Appeal quashed his 2022 conviction for the sexual assault of a minor—a ruling that has reignited fierce debates over justice, celebrity influence, and child protection in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The 52-year-old comic actor, celebrated for his Yoruba-language roles and signature comedic timing, had served more than three years of a reduced five-year concurrent sentence stemming from a controversial trial that captivated—and polarized—public attention. The appellate court’s decision, delivered in Lagos, cited insufficient evidence to uphold the original guilty verdict, effectively clearing Baba Ijesha of the child defilement charge while upholding lesser counts related to indecent exposure.

In a jubilant Instagram post late Friday, fellow actor and vocal supporter Yomi Fabiyi announced the release, framing it as vindication against what he called a “charade” orchestrated by “sentiments and wickedness.” Fabiyi wrote: “You are now officially FREE AND OUT. Baba Ijesha is not just back but BETTER. I am also happy you were cleared by the APPEAL COURT of ever having sex/defile any child/minor. The 7-year-old story is a charade. We live in a terrible world, where sentiments and wickedness rise above the rule of law and truth.” 10 11 12

Baba Ijesha, speaking briefly to supporters outside the prison gates, echoed the sentiment of relief. “I want to relax. I just want to leave here so I decided to inform you. Thank you for supporting me. I will call you,” he said in a video circulating on social media, his voice steady but laced with exhaustion. 15 The actor, who appeared visibly slimmer but composed, was mobbed by a small crowd of well-wishers and family members as he departed the facility.

The Case That Divided Nollywood

The saga began in May 2021 when Baba Ijesha was arrested following a sting operation by comedienne Damilola Adekoya, known as Princess, who alleged he had sexually assaulted her then-14-year-old foster daughter—a girl she claimed Baba Ijesha had groomed since age seven. Princess, a prominent figure in Lagos’ comedy scene, released CCTV footage purportedly showing the actor engaging in inappropriate physical contact with the minor during a scripted “role-play” at her home.

Prosecutors argued the encounter constituted rape and child defilement under the Lagos State Criminal Law, leading to a high-profile trial at the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court. On July 14, 2022, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo convicted Baba Ijesha on five counts, including indecent treatment of a child and assault, sentencing him to 16 years—later adjusted to five years concurrent due to overlapping charges. 13 14

From the outset, the case fractured Nollywood. Supporters like Fabiyi and the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) decried it as a “setup,” alleging the footage was staged for a film scene and that Princess had coached the victim. They pointed to inconsistencies, such as post-arrest forensic evidence suggesting the minor had engaged in unrelated sexual activity, and accused authorities of bias influenced by Princess’s celebrity status. 10 17 Fabiyi’s Friday post amplified these claims, asserting that Princess and an associate, Damola Adekola (alias “Okele”), had groomed the girl and engaged in child pornography by installing hidden cameras—allegations that remain unproven and have drawn sharp rebukes.

Critics, including women’s rights groups like the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), hailed the original conviction as a milestone for survivor justice, emphasizing the courage required for minors to testify in Nigeria’s often hostile legal system. Princess, who has largely stayed silent since the appeal filing, previously described the ordeal as “traumatizing” and vowed to protect her ward at all costs.

The appellate panel, in a unanimous ruling, found the trial court’s reliance on the victim’s testimony and video evidence “insufficient to prove penetration or intent beyond reasonable doubt,” while dismissing claims of a seven-year abuse timeline as unsubstantiated. 15 18 Legal experts note the decision aligns with Nigeria’s evidentiary standards under the Child Rights Act, but it has sparked calls for reforms to better protect vulnerable witnesses.

A Polarized Response: Jubilation and Outrage

Social media erupted Friday evening, with #BabaIjeshaFree trending nationwide on X (formerly Twitter). Supporters posted celebratory videos of the actor’s release, hailing it as a triumph over “judicial miscarriage.” 0 3 4 One user, @McPilot7, wrote: “Finally after 7 years… Justice served,” while entertainment blogger @sorosokegossip shared: “Baba Ijesha is not just back but BETTER.” 0 3

Yet, the backlash was swift. Advocacy groups decried the ruling as a setback for #EndChildAbuse campaigns, with one X post from @nairaroot noting: “Debates on due process and minors’ cases are heating up again.” 9 False rumors of Baba Ijesha’s earlier release in June 2025—fueled by a misleading video of him kneeling before the Ooni of Ife—had already sowed confusion, as fact-checkers confirmed he remained incarcerated until now. 16 18

The AGN, through a statement Saturday, welcomed the verdict but urged “healing and reconciliation” within the industry, while Princess’s allies have hinted at a potential Supreme Court appeal.

Looking Ahead: Redemption or Reckoning?

For Baba Ijesha, whose career was derailed by the scandal—losing endorsements and roles—the road back is uncertain. At 52, he joins a roster of Nollywood comeback stories, but the stigma lingers. “I’m grateful to God and my supporters,” he told reporters en route to an undisclosed family reunion. “This chapter is closed; I’m focusing on family and faith.”

The case underscores deeper fissures in Nigeria’s justice system: low conviction rates for sexual offenses (under 30%, per DSVA data), celebrity sway in trials, and the tension between due process and victim advocacy. As one legal analyst put it: “This isn’t just about Baba Ijesha—it’s a mirror to how we handle power and vulnerability in Nollywood and beyond.”

With the dust settling, questions remain: Will Princess pursue further appeals? Can Baba Ijesha reclaim his spotlight? And in a nation where one in four girls faces sexual violence before 18, will this ruling deter survivors from speaking out? For now, as Fabiyi put it, Baba Ijesha is “free”—but the echoes of 2021 reverberate on.

Wike Refutes Alleged Clash With Military, Says Comments Were Misrepresented

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he is at loggerheads with the Nigerian military, describing the reports as false, misleading, and deliberately sensational.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, Wike said he maintains deep respect for the Armed Forces and has consistently supported their operations in the FCT and across the country.

“Let me make it clear: I do not have any problem with the military and will never have. I have great respect for the institution and for the sacrifices they make to keep our nation safe,” he said.

He explained that his earlier remarks widely circulated and interpreted as criticism of the military were wrongly quoted, noting that he merely emphasized the need for officers to obey lawful commands.

“What I said was simple: no officer or individual should carry out an illegal order. If an instruction is unlawful, you have the right to say no. That does not mean I have a problem with the military,” Wike clarified.

The Minister reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies with logistics, infrastructure, and operational assistance, stressing that the military remains a crucial partner in keeping Abuja secure.

“As FCT Minister, I have continued to provide support to the military in their operations. Anyone saying otherwise is simply not telling the truth,” he added.

Wike also urged journalists to uphold professional ethics and avoid sensationalism, warning against twisting statements or promoting narratives that could mislead the public.

“I want journalists to always verify facts and report accurately. Do not cut or misquote statements to suit headlines. Let us focus on what builds our country,” he advised.

He concluded by reiterating his admiration for the Armed Forces, describing them as “pillars of national unity and peace” who deserve the nation’s utmost respect.

Real Madrid Nearing Loan Deal for Endrick to Lyon in January

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid are in advanced negotiations with Olympique Lyonnais to loan 19-year-old forward Endrick for the remainder of the 2024–25 season, sources have confirmed.

The Brazilian prodigy, who joined Los Blancos from Palmeiras in the summer of 2024, has featured for just 14 minutes under manager Xabi Alonso this term and is seeking regular first-team football to accelerate his development and revive his international prospects.

A short-term move to the Ligue 1 side is understood to be close to completion, with an agreement expected before the January transfer window opens.

Endrick made an immediate impact in his debut campaign, scoring seven goals across all competitions and displaying flashes of the explosive talent that made him one of the world’s most coveted teenagers. Despite settling well in Madrid—both on and off the pitch—sources close to the player acknowledge that consistent minutes are now critical.

“He’s happy in Spain, but he knows he needs to play,” a source told The Athletic. “This isn’t about leaving Real Madrid—it’s about coming back stronger.”

The loan is viewed as a strategic step to ensure Endrick remains in contention for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad. The forward has earned 14 senior caps but has fallen out of favor under national team manager Carlo Ancelotti (no relation to Real’s former coach), largely due to his limited club exposure.

Lyon, currently pushing for a European spot under Paulo Fonseca, are seen as an ideal destination: a competitive league, a progressive coach, and a platform to showcase his finishing and movement in a system that favors young attackers.

Several other European clubs had expressed interest, but Lyon’s proactive approach and Real Madrid’s preference for a controlled environment have edged the French club to the front of the queue.

No purchase option is expected to be included in the deal, with Real Madrid retaining full control over Endrick’s long-term future. The club remains committed to his development as a cornerstone of their post-Mbappé era attack.

The move, if finalized, will see Endrick depart the Santiago Bernabéu temporarily in January—with the clear objective of returning in the summer as a more polished, confident, and World Cup-ready striker.

Mbemba Strike Shatters Cameroon Dreams, Sets Up Congo-Nigeria World Cup Showdown

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Rabat, Morocco – Chancel Mbemba’s predatory header in stoppage time propelled DR Congo to a dramatic 1-0 upset over Cameroon in the semi-final of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, earning the Leopards a high-voltage final clash with Nigeria on Sunday.

The match at the rain-slicked Al-Barid Stadium was a cagey affair, defined by stout defending and squandered chances, until the former Newcastle United defender rose highest to meet Brian Cipenga’s corner in the 91st minute, looping his effort beyond Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana for a goal that sent Congolese fans into ecstasy and left the five-time African champions shell-shocked. 1 0 Onana, who had earlier denied Cédric Bakambu with a sharp reflex save, could only claw at thin air as the ball kissed the net, ending Cameroon’s hopes of a ninth World Cup appearance.

Under coach Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo—runners-up in Group B behind Senegal—absorbed waves of pressure from Marc Brys’ Indomitable Lions, who had edged Cape Verde for second in Group D but faltered here despite boasting stars like Bryan Mbeumo and Vincent Aboubakar. The Leopards, drawing on their unbeaten streak in recent qualifiers, including a gritty 1-0 win over Sudan, frustrated Cameroon with disciplined midfield work from Gaël Kakuta and Yoane Wissa, while Theo Bongonda’s second-half volley flew just over.

A Gritty Battle Under the Lights

The game kicked off amid pouring rain that turned the pitch treacherous, delaying the start and aiding slippery play. Cameroon dominated possession in the first half, with Mbeumo testing Ivorian-born goalkeeper Lionel Mpumpu early, but DR Congo’s backline, anchored by Christian Luyindula and Rocky Bushiri, held firm. A yellow card to Cameroon’s Nouhou Tolo for a cynical foul on Aaron Wan-Bissaka summed up the hosts’ frustration, as André-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s long-range effort whistled wide.

Post-interval, Brys introduced Aboubakar and Martin Hongla for fresh legs, but it was DR Congo who created the clearer sights—Bakambu spurning a one-on-one, and Bongonda overhitting a cutback. Onana’s athleticism kept the Lions level, tipping Cipenga’s inswinging delivery onto the bar in the dying embers, only for Mbemba to pounce on the rebounding corner. The goal, Mbemba’s first in international football since 2022, extended DR Congo’s head-to-head edge, having won just one of 21 prior meetings but triumphing in both 2015 AFCON qualifiers.

Lineups and Key Battles

DR Congo deployed a compact 4-2-3-1: Mpumpu; Kalulu, Mbemba, Bushiri, Nouhou (wait, no—wait, that’s Cameroon’s; correction: Mpumpu; Kalulu, Mbemba, Bushiri, Kayembe; Pickel, Tshiunza; Bongonda, Kakuta, Wissa; Bakambu. Mbemba, and a Marseille stalwart, was immense, while Meschack Elia provided width.

Cameroon countered in a 4-3-3: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Castelletto, Ngadeu, Nouhou; Anguissa, Baleba (Hongla), Avom; Mbeumo, Eyong (Aboubakar), Nsame. The Brighton winger Mbeumo posed the biggest threat but couldn’t convert, as DR Congo’s switch-eligible newcomers like Michel-Ange Balikwisha waited on the bench.

Super Eagles Await: Stakes Sky-High

This sets up a mouthwatering final against Nigeria, who earlier dismantled Gabon 4-1 in extra time thanks to Victor Osimhen’s brace, avenging a 2018 upset. The Super Eagles, 41st in FIFA rankings to DR Congo’s 60th, hold a historical edge—winning three of five encounters, including 2-0 and 3-0 margins—but the Leopards’ resilience signals a banana skin.

The victor advances to the six-team inter-confederation playoffs in March 2026, hosted in Mexico, for a shot at the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. For DR Congo, last at the World Cup as Zaire in 1974, it’s a chance at redemption; for Nigeria, a sixth appearance beckons after topping Group C on goal difference.

Desabre, beaming post-match, hailed his “warriors”: “This is for a nation that dreams big. Nigeria will be tough, but we’re ready to roar.” With Africa’s automatic spots already claimed by powerhouses like Senegal and Morocco, Sunday’s decider (19:00 GMT) promises fireworks under the Moroccan lights.

Super Eagles Soar: Osimhen Brace Powers Nigeria to 4-1 Thriller Over Gabon in World Cup Playoff

By
Ola Akinola
-
0

Rabat, Morocco – Victor Osimhen’s clinical double in extra time propelled Nigeria to a commanding 4-1 victory over Gabon in the semi-final of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, booking the Super Eagles’ place in the decisive final against either Cameroon or DR Congo.

The match, played at the Moulay Hassan Stadium amid high stakes and neutral ground, unfolded as a gritty battle that spilled into extra time after Gabon clawed back from a deficit to force parity. Nigeria, under the guidance of coach Eric Chelle, overcame early jitters and a controversial pay dispute in camp to deliver a performance laced with resilience and flair, silencing doubters who had questioned their qualifying form.

A Tense Opener Turns Electric

Nigeria struck first in the 78th minute when Lille forward Akor Adams capitalized on a defensive lapse by Gabon’s Aaron Appindangoye, slotting home from close range to send the traveling Nigerian supporters into raptures. The goal, Adams’ first in international football, seemed to have the three-time African champions on the cusp of progression.

But Gabon, buoyed by the presence of Marseille talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, refused to yield. In the 89th minute, Wolves midfielder Mario Lemina unleashed a deflected strike that wrong-footed Stanley Nwabali in the Nigerian goal, leveling the score at 1-1 and igniting wild celebrations among the Panthers’ contingent. The equalizer, a gut punch for the Super Eagles, forced the game into a grueling extra 30 minutes, with referee Issa Sy adding 12 minutes of stoppage time in the first half alone due to VAR interventions and injury stoppages.

Extra-Time Heroics Seal the Deal

The tide turned decisively in Nigeria’s favor during the additional period. At the 97th-minute mark, Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke produced a moment of magic, weaving through challenges before rifling a composed finish past Anthony Mbaba to restore the lead at 2-1.

Osimhen, the Napoli star and Nigeria’s talismanic forward, then took center stage. Already a handful throughout with his aerial prowess and relentless pressing—contributing to eight goals in the qualifying campaign—he struck twice in quick succession. First, in the 102nd minute, he latched onto a long ball, shrugged off markers, and slotted home to make it 3-1. Moments later, in the 105th, Osimhen sealed the rout with a sublime reverse shot into the far corner after chesting down a lofted pass and evading two defenders, extinguishing any flicker of Gabonese hope.

The final whistle elicited scenes of jubilation from the Nigerian bench, with Osimhen mobbed by teammates as Gabon players, visibly deflated, trudged off the pitch. Aubameyang, who had threatened sporadically but was subdued by Nigeria’s backline led by Calvin Bassey and Jamilu Collins, could only watch as his side’s World Cup dreams faded.

Lineups and Tactical Notes

Nigeria lined up in a pragmatic 4-4-2 formation: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel (Troost-Ekong), Fredrick, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze (Ejuke), Iwobi (Awaziem), Ndidi, Lookman (Simon); Adams (Onyeka), Osimhen. Midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi was pivotal in breaking up play, while Alex Iwobi’s tireless running earned him a heartfelt embrace from the staff upon substitution.

Gabon opted for a 4-3-3: Mbaba; Ondele, Oyono, Ecuele, Ekoumie; Openda (Meyo; Moucketou-Moussounda), Lemina, Ndong; Aubameyang, Biyogo, Bouanga. Despite their unbeaten run in seven prior competitive outings, Thierry Mouyouma’s men struggled with cohesion after falling behind, missing key absentees like Jim Allevinah.

Path Forward for the Super Eagles

This triumph, Nigeria’s third victory in five head-to-heads against Gabon, avenges a rare 2018 loss and underscores their historical dominance—boasting wins as emphatic as 3-0 and previous 4-1 margins. The Super Eagles, who narrowly pipped Benin to second in Group C with a 4-0 October romp, now await the victor of Cameroon vs. DR Congo in the other semi-final.

A win in the November 17 final would secure a berth in the six-team inter-confederation playoff in Mexico next March, offering one final shot at the expanded 48-team World Cup. For Osimhen and Co., fresh off resolving a bonus dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation, this result is a timely morale booster ahead of club duties and the continent’s marquee tournament.

As Osimhen told reporters post-match: “This is for the fans who’ve stood by us. We’re not done yet.” With the global stage in sight, Nigeria’s World Cup odyssey presses on with renewed fire.

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