March 2025 | Page 13 of 16

Seven Doors tops 2025 AMVCA nomination shortlists

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago07 mins

The organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards have announced the nominees for the 2025 edition of the annual awards. The nominations, covering film, television, and digital content, recognise works released between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Among the top contenders, Lisabi: The Uprising, Skeleton Coast, House of Ga’a, and Freedom Way secured multiple nominations across various categories, including Best Movie and Best Director. In the acting categories, Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo), Stan Nze (Suspicion), Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors), and Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising) were nominated for Best Lead Actor, while Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors), Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre), and Uche Montana (Thinline) are among those vying for Best Lead Actress. Below is the full list of nominees: Best Digital Content Creator Iyo Prosper Adokiye Maryam Apakagi-Greene Elozonam Ogbolu, Hoviare Freedom, Chiamaka Uzokwe Jide Pounds Ibitoye Ariyiikedimples, Brain Jotter Best Multichoice Talent Factory MovieGone (West Africa) Everything Light Touches (West Africa) The Immersive Alarm (East Africa) Deadbeat (East Africa) Mwananga (Southern Africa) Rivals in Time (Southern Africa) Best Unscripted M-Net Original Nigerian Idol Pastor Wants A Wife (Zambia) Overall Best Husband Material The Queens of Kopala Best Scripted M-Net OriginalUriri All Mine My Fairytale Wedding Italo The Caller Kam U Stay Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) Seven Doors Lisabi: The Uprising Kaka Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Mai Martaba Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa) The Caller Makosa Di Tangu Sabotage Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa)Walvis Tale The Vow Mwizukanji Man of Gold Lukas Best Indigenous M-Net OriginalMai Shayi The Caller Show Me The Way Ebighi Ebi Subterranea Onye Agbata Obim Amoanimaa’s Era Best Short Film Sukari Brukaci What Are You Truly Afraid Of? In Bloom: ‘Afefe’ The Incredible Sensational Fiancee of Seyi Ajayi Best Supporting ActressMeg Otanwa – Inside Life Tina Mba – Suspicion Ireti Doyle – All’s Fair in Love Ini Dima-Okojie – Skeleton Coast Mercy Aigbe – Farmer’s Bride Omoni Oboli – The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3 Darasimi Nnadi – Aburo Best Supporting Actor Gabriel Afolayan – Inside Life Adedayo Adebowale Macaroni – Lisabi: The Uprising Aliu Gafar – Seven Doors Femi Jacobs – Freedom Way Richard Mofe-Damijo – Christmas In Lagos Uzor Arukwe – Suspicion Mike Afolarin – House of Ga’a Efa Iwara – Princess on a Hill Best Lead Actress Chioma Chukwuka – Seven Doors GbugbemI Ejeye – Farmer’s Bride Uzoamaka Onuoha – Agemo Uche Montana – Thinline Uzoamaka Aniunoh – Phoenix Fury Hilda Dokudo – The Uprising: Wives On Strike 3 Bimbo Ademoye – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Best Lead Actor Gideon Okeke – Tokunbo Bucci Franklin – The Weekend Femi Branch – House of Ga’a Thapelo Makoena – Skeleton Coast Bimbo Manuel – Princess On A Hill Stan Nze – Suspicion Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors Adedimeji Lateef – Lisabi: The Uprising Best Editing Inkabi Soft Love Lisabi: The Uprising Princess On A Hill Best Cinematography Yen Ara Asaase Ni (This Is Our Land) Inkabi The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos Skeleton Coast Soft Love Lisabi: The Uprising Agemo Best Sound/Sound Design Inkabi Seven Doors Freedom Way Lisabi: The Uprising Ajakaju: Beast Of Two Worlds Suspicion Best Score/Music Inkabi Freedom Way Seven Doors Soft Love keleton Coast Best Art Direction Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Christmas In Lagos Farmer’s Bride Seven Doors The Man Died Lisabi: The Uprising Best Costume Design Toyin Ogundeji – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Bolanle Austen- Peters, Yolanda Okereke, Juliana Dede, Gloria Oyu – House Of Ga’a Oluwatoyin Balogun, Oyeade Adeimpe Adedimeji – Lisabi: The Uprising Opeyemi Sogeke – Phoenix Fury Adedamola Adeyemi – Christmas In Lagos Best MakeupAnikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Lisabi: The Uprising Seven Doors Farmer’s Bride Clarence Peters’ Inside Life Suspicion Best Writing TV Series Untying Kantai Tuki? Roses & Ivy Cheta’M Seven Doors Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Princess On A Hill Best Writing in a Movie The Weekend Skeleton Coast Freedom Way Phoenix Fury A Ghetto Love Story House of Ga’a Christmas In Lagos Best DocumentaryWalvis Tale Dundun O.Y.O (On Your Own) Women of Salt: The Resilience of Ebonyi’s Women I Will Remember You Best Scripted SeriesClarence Peters’ Inside Life Seven Doors Princess On A Hill Cheta’M Roses & Ivy Best Unscripted Series Style Magnate Skillers The Builders Show) Ebuka Turns Up Africa Wa Milele? (Forever?) Uzoamaka Tries Palmwine Best Director Robert O Peters – Skeleton Coast Norman Maake – Inkabi Bolanle Austen-Peters – House of Ga’a Awam Amkpa – The Man Died Daniel Emeka Oriahi – The Weekend Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani, Tope Adebayo – Seven Doors Best Movie Lisabi: The Uprising Skeleton Coast Suspicion Inkabi House of Ga’a Freedom Way Christmas in Lagos

Spain punches UEFA Nations League semifinals ticket

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago04 mins

Spain have made it into the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League after a nervy penalty shoot-out victory over The Netherlands, which came after a 5-5 aggregate scoreline across two legs. In Thursday’s first leg in Rotterdam, Spain found the opening goal inside the opening 10 minutes, and they did so again at the Mestalla. On this occasion, Mikel Oyarzabal was fouled inside the penalty area by Jean Paul van Hecke, and that allowed the Real Sociedad captain to step up and score from 12 yards. La Roja would hold their lead until half time, but on 54 minutes, they were pegged back. Robin Le Normand was adjudged to have fouled Memphis Depay inside Spain’s penalty area, and that gave the opportunity for the former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker to score, which he managed to do. 15 minutes later, Spain would find themselves back in front, and it was Oyarzabal that scored again after he was set up following great work in the build-up from Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the counter-attack, which ended in the 27-year-old heading home after his initial effort was saved. However, La Roja could not hold on to book their place in the Nations League semi-finals as the Dutch found another equaliser, with defender Ian Maatsen blasting past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon from inside the penalty area to restore parity on the night and on aggregate. That goal meant that extra time was needed at the Mestalla, and in the first half of the additional 30 minutes, Spain thought that they scored the winning goal in the tie, and it was a special one from Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. It was a wonderful pass over the top from Dean Huijsen, and the 17-year-old controlled brilliantly before firing into the far corner. But again, they were pulled back into a stalemate as Xavi Simons netted a penalty to make it 3-3. That meant penalties were required, and it was Unai Simon that came up clutch at the end to save Donyell Malen’s effort. That gave Pedri the chance to secure the victory for Spain, and he did, with La Roja winning 5-4 in the shoot-out. And it means that they will take on France – who also won a penalty shoot-out in their quarter-final tie against Croatia – in the semi-finals this summer, before a possible final against Portugal or Germany.

South Sudan national team stranded in Libya

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago01 mins

South Sudan national team otherwise known as Bright Star are stranded at the empty Benina International Airport in Benghazi, Libya. South Sudanese were stranded upon arrival for their match against Sudan in the World Cup Qualifier. The South Sudan Football Association reported that the players’ passports were confiscated and they were ordered to exit on Sunday at 4:30pm. The Bright Star are hoping to put the 2026 FIFA World Cup back on track on Tuesday after drawing two and losing three matches in the last five games. They are bottom placed with two points while the host, Sudan leads the group with 11 points.

Oliseh: Odegbami, others ‘re responsible for my Eagles hunger

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago01 mins

Former Super Eagles’ coach and skipper, Sunday Oliseh, has revealed that the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winning team, the Green Eagles, are responsible for his thirst for the national colours. Oliseh, who also went on to win the Cup of Nations in Tunisia ’94, made this confession while reacting to 45 years anniversary of the 1980 team, bringing glory to the nation. His words; “This team was hugely responsible for my love of the Super Eagles green white green colours; Odegbami (Segun), Chukwu (Christian), Okala (Emmanuel), Atuegbu (Allosious), Muda Lawal, Nwosu (Christian), Owo Blow (Felix Owolabi)… “They all had technical prowess, strenght and style… “Naija sabi do things with style sha!!! “ From 1980, 1994, to 2013, the Super Eagles have soared to greatness, etching Nigeria’s name in African football history.

Juventus sacks manager Thiago Motta

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Juventus have sacked head coach Thiago Motta less than a season into his tenure and moved quickly to line up his replacement. Motta, 42, was officially informed of his dismissal by the club’s hierarchy on Sunday after a nightmare run of results and has been replaced by Igor Tudor. Tudor, whose last managerial role came at Serie A rivals Lazio, will take charge for the rest of the season with Champions League qualification crucial in determining whether his deal is extended. He will oversee his first training session on Monday. Juventus crashed out of the Champions League and both the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana this season, and recently suffered a 4-0 humbling at the hands of title contenders Atalanta, their heaviest home defeat since 1967. Motta’s last match at the helm proved to be the 3-0 loss at eighth-placed Fiorentina, a result that left the Old Lady in fifth, one point adrift of fourth.

FG flags off Benin–Asaba Expressway

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with Africa Plus Partners, has officially flagged off the 125km Benin–Asaba Expressway Project in Edo State—an ambitious, dual-carriage, solar-lit superhighway that is fully financed by the private sector under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr. Wale Edun described the project as a milestone in infrastructure financing. “What you see on the front page of the pamphlet will be delivered—because the cash is there,” he affirmed. “This is not reliant on direct federal funding. Africa Plus Consortium, backed by credible investors, has put forward the full capital commitment under the enabling policies of President Bola Tinubu.” This flagship initiative is part of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can unlock long-term value for the economy. Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi described the project as a cashless model. Governor of Edo State Senator Monday Okpebholo, standing in for Mr. President, lauded the financing structure. “This is a legacy project. For private investors to risk their capital, it shows belief in the president’s vision and the future of our economy.” HM Wale Edun reiterated that this model will be replicated nationwide: “This is just one of many projects that will be delivered week after week, month after month, through sustainable financial frameworks that ensure transparency, efficiency, and speed.” The Benin–Asaba Expressway is more than a road. It is a statement—that with innovative financing and investor confidence, world-class infrastructure is not only possible but imminent.

Journalists, girlfriends barred from Super Eagles camp

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago01 mins

Sport reporters, friends and family of Super Eagles players have been barred from the team’s camp in Uyo ahead of their make-or-mar 2026 World Cup qualifying tie against the Brave Warriors of Zimbabwe. Reliable camp source Sulaimon Adebayo popularly known as Pooja Media in post on his Twitter handle on Sunday revealed this new development. “Eric Chelle says the team is not carried away by the Rwanda win and fully focused on the Zimbabwe game. “However, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has barred journalists and visitors at the Super Eagles camp. “And the training session today will be behind closed doors with 0 access for journalists, Pooja reported on social media. Having lost some grounds in the early stages of the qualifying series, the Nigerian side is expected to further extend her standing on the log when they file out against the Zimbabweans in MatchDay 6 on Tuesday.

Amnesty International Calls for Probe Into Natasha’s Allegations Against Akpabio

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Amnesty International has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the serious allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The human rights organization urged Nigerian authorities to ensure a transparent and impartial inquiry, stressing the importance of upholding justice and accountability. Senator Natasha recently accused Akpabio of misconduct, raising concerns about abuse of power and potential violations of ethical standards. Amnesty International emphasized that such allegations must not be swept under the rug and called for a fair and independent investigation to uncover the truth. “The allegations are serious and demand immediate attention,” Amnesty International said in a statement. “Authorities must demonstrate that no one is above the law by conducting a credible and transparent investigation.” The organization also underscored the need to protect Senator Natasha from any form of intimidation or retaliation, stressing that whistleblowers and those who speak out against injustice must be safeguarded. Amnesty’s call adds pressure on Nigerian authorities to address the issue promptly and ensure that justice is served, regardless of political status or influence.