Trendbrio.com

News and Entertainment Update

Live
World
US Offers $10 Million Reward For Information On Iran’s New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei 01
02
News
Shi’ite Group Stages Pro-Palestine Quds Day Protest In Bauchi, Backs Iran Amid Rising Tensions
03
News
Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Ex-Depot Price To ₦1,175 Per Litre
04
News
NDPC Warns Content Creators Over Filming Nigerians Without Consent For Social Media Content
05
Soccer
Sports
Pep Guardiola Wins Barclays Manager Of The Month For February, 12th Career Honor

Year: 2025

World Cup Playoffs: Nigeria, Gabon Game Promises Frills, Fire and Fury

Wale busari07 mins

Nigeria and Gabon senior men national teams go to war on Thursday evening in a 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff semi-final that promises to raise the roof of the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat. The high-stakes encounter, which provides a second window for both teams to try and qualify for the 2026 finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico after missing automatic tickets in Africa’s 23-month qualifying campaign, will see both Coaches Eric Chelle and Thierry Mouyouma throw in their best casts to ensure passage into the Final match, which will set up the victor against the winner of the other semi-final between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the same venue on Sunday. Nigeria, six-time finalists at the FIFA World Cup, have assumed a body language of unwillingness to witness a second consecutive FIFA World Cup finals miss, which would mean no experience at the highest level for the spine of the current team, while Gabon, who have never dined at football’s highest table, are eager to experience what it all means. The ingredients for a fiery evening in Morocco’s administrative capital is complete, with both Chelle and Mouyouma likely to adopt the 4-3-3 formation to play to the strengths of their lead orchestrators. Chelle, unbeaten in four competitive matches with Nigeria in the qualifying campaign (three wins and a draw), will most likely stick with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and in the absence of injured Olaoluwa Aina (injury) and Semi Ajayi (suspension), probably calibrate a rearguard of Benjamin Fredericks, captain William Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka in midfield. 2023 Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, who netted six goals in the qualifying series (all against three teams viz Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Benin Republic), is likely to have Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman as partners from the off. The rampant Osimhen, with 29 goals in 44 matches for the Nigeria senior team, has netted 160 goals and 36 assists in 275 club career matches, and is presently one of the most feared forwards in world football. Gabon emerged the best second runners-up in all the nine qualification groups, and hinge their hopes of an upset on 36-year- old forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has turned out for English Premiership side Arsenal and German Bundesliga top team Borussia Dortmund, and is now with former European champions Olympique Marseille in France. The brilliant forward’s father, Pierre-François Aubameyang, featured for the Panthers at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, in which the Panthers lost their first match 0-3 to Nigeria and crashed out at group stage, as the Eagles went on to win their second continental title. Mouyouma is likely to stick to his regular army, which puts Loyce Mbaba in goal, with youngster Jacques Ekomie alongside Bruno Manga, Mick Omfia and Anthony Oyono at the rear, and Guélor Kanga, Mario Lemina and Didier Ndong in midfield. Aubameyang, who scored all four goals in the dismantling of The Gambia away in the qualifying series, will have regular partners Denis Bouanga and Noah Lemina as co-conspirators at the fore. Mouyouma has revealed that his Panthers are contemplating the quick, short passing game to force Nigeria’s matadors to chase the game, while Chelle has kept his option to his chest as the fiery encounter looms. Nigeria have been victorious in five of nine previous encounters with Gabon at senior men level, dating back 60 years, when Nigeria won and drew friendly matches played over two days in Libreville. Gabon’s only triumph – a 2-1 win in a World Cup qualifier on 25th June 1989 – ultimately cost Nigeria a ticket to Italia ’90 as the Eagles failed to secure the draw needed against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in Yaounde on the final day of the series. Three of the nine matches have been drawn, including a Germany 2006 World Cup qualifier, but Thursday’s game cannot end in a draw, as a winner must emerge to proceed to Sunday’s Final. SUPER EAGLES, PANTHERS IN HISTORY 28 Aug 1965: Gabon 2-2 Nigeria (Friendly) 29 Aug 1965: Gabon 1-4 Nigeria (Friendly) 02 Mar 1983: Gabon 0-0 Nigeria (Friendly) 07 Jan 1989: Nigeria 1-0 Gabon (WC qualifier) 25 June 1989: Gabon 2-1 Nigeria (WC qualifier) 26 Mar 1994: Nigeria 3-0 Gabon (AFCON finals) 21 Nov 1999: Gabon 0-2 Nigeria (Friendly) 09 Oct 2004: Gabon 1-1 Nigeria (WC qualifier) 26 Mar 2005: Nigeria 2-0 Gabon (WC qualifier)

Read More

Judy Austin Warns Women Pregnancy Alone Doesn’t Guarantee Marriage

Wale busari02 mins

Judy Austin has cautioned women against assuming that pregnancy automatically leads to marriage, stressing that such decisions require maturity and careful consideration. She explained that getting pregnant for someone can result in regret if the relationship is not built on love, commitment, and long-term compatibility. “The first question you should ask yourself is: Can I spend the rest of my life with this guy? Can I love him, commit to him, grow with him, and build with him?” she said. Judy urged women to avoid making life-changing choices if they are still young or not mentally ready for a serious relationship. She encouraged dating, learning about people, and understanding that one must first rely on oneself and on God. “Show up for yourself before expecting anyone else to show up for you,” she added. Highlighting the dangers of early marriage, she noted its long-term consequences, saying, “Early marriage has damaged many people. It has led to divorce, emotional baggage, and struggles raising children they were not prepared for.” She advised women to focus on personal growth and readiness before seeking a partner: “Learn, grow, work, and build the resilience you need. When you’re ready, pray and ask God to bring the right person into your life. That way, even if things don’t go perfectly, you will have no regrets.” Judy’s message serves as a reminder for women to prioritize self-development, patience, and thoughtful decision-making before committing to serious relationships.

Read More

BBNaija Star Adekunle Olopade Confirms Justice Served In Police Brutality Case

Wale busari03 mins

BBNaija star Adekunle Olopade has celebrated the delivery of justice following a recent police brutality incident in which he was involved. Posting on X, Adekunle thanked the Lagos State Police Command Complaint Response Unit and ACP Oluyemisi Ojo of the Area J Command, Elemoro, Ibeju Lekki, for their prompt action and thorough investigation, which led to the identification and disciplinary measures against the officers responsible. “I just left the Elemoro Police Station, and thanks to their efforts, the police officers were found, and disciplinary action has been taken against them. Justice has been served! The weight on my shoulders has been lifted,” he shared. He described the outcome as a powerful reminder that justice can prevail, even at a time when public trust in law enforcement is low. Adekunle encouraged anyone who experiences police misconduct to report incidents and collect evidence, stressing that accountability is achievable. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “I shouldn’t have experienced what I went through, and neither should any Nigerian simply going about their business. While there are good officers out there, the bad ones exist too. Harassment is unacceptable, and no one deserves to go through that.” Adekunle also expressed gratitude to fans, friends, and well-wishers for their support, noting that their encouragement reinforced the importance of standing up for justice. “It is indeed a blessing to know I was not alone during this period. Now it’s time to focus on being me again,” he added. His update underscores the critical role of justice and accountability in restoring public confidence and ensuring law enforcement acts in the best interest of citizens.

Read More

Wizkid’s Son Champz Drops Debut EP Champion’s Arrival

Wale busari02 mins

Boluwatife Balogun, widely known by his stage name Champz and son of music icon Wizkid, has officially released his debut EP, Champion’s Arrival. The project went live on November 11 and is now available across all major streaming platforms. Champz took to Instagram to announce the release, sharing a vibrant video that gives fans a taste of the EP’s tracks. He captioned the post: “11/11: The Champion has arrived My debut EP ‘Champion’s Arrival’ is OUT NOW on all platforms! Stream it, share it, feel it — Link in bio ChampzW :@dikastudios” The EP marks Boluwatife’s formal entry into the music industry, following earlier teasers and freestyle snippets that highlighted his unique style and confident delivery. With Champion’s Arrival, Champz is making his own mark in Nigerian music, building his identity while carrying forward the legacy of his father. Fans are already engaging with the project, streaming, sharing, and embracing the fresh sounds he brings.   View this post on Instagram  

Read More

Standard Chartered To Close Accounts Below N7.5 Million

Wale busari03 mins

Standard Chartered Bank has announced plans to close customer accounts with balances below N7.5 million from February 28, 2026, as part of a major restructuring under its new “Emerging Affluent Segment” strategy. In a notice titled Important Notice: Branch Network and Segment Update, the bank said customers who do not meet the Assets Under Management (AUM) threshold by the deadline will have their accounts closed. The statement explained that the bank is phasing out its “Personal Banking” segment to focus on higher-value clients while introducing a new operational model tailored to their financial needs. As part of this shift, several Standard Chartered branches will be permanently shut down beginning January 15, 2026. The bank said the decision supports its ongoing digitisation drive aimed at optimising efficiency and improving customer experience through online channels. “These closures build on our digitisation efforts over the past few years, designed to streamline operations, products, and services while better aligning with our clients’ evolving expectations,” the bank stated. Despite the sweeping changes, Standard Chartered assured customers that it remains financially strong and fully compliant with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new ₦200 billion minimum capital requirement for national commercial banks. The bank reaffirmed its commitment to helping customers achieve their financial goals, noting that its mobile and internet banking platforms will continue to operate seamlessly for transactions and account management. Following the consolidation, only branches in Lagos, Abuja, and Rivers State will remain open. Founded in 1894, Standard Chartered is one of Nigeria’s oldest international banks. It was locally incorporated in 1971, sold majority ownership to Nigerian investors in 1979, and later re-entered the market in 1999 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the global Standard Chartered Group. Today, it continues to serve retail, corporate, and institutional clients with a strong focus on digital banking and international trade.

Read More

Court Blocks PDP From Holding Ibadan Convention Again

Wale busari02 mins

The Federal High Court in Abuja has once again stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its National Convention, which was scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16. Justice Peter Lifu issued the order on Tuesday while ruling on an application filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who challenged his exclusion from the party’s chairmanship race. Lamido told the court that the PDP leadership refused to sell him the nomination form for the chairmanship position, effectively barring him from participating in the upcoming convention. The judge ruled in his favour, stating that the party had failed to comply with mandatory legal procedures for conducting its convention, including publishing the timetable for members as required by law. Justice Lifu held that the balance of convenience tilted toward Lamido, stressing that he would suffer greater harm if unjustly excluded from the process. He emphasised that due process must be strictly followed in line with the Constitution, warning that any disregard for lawful procedures threatens the foundation of democracy. The judge further noted that under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, courts are duty-bound to dispense justice without fear or favour, adding that failure to do so could lead to anarchy. Consequently, Justice Lifu restrained the PDP from proceeding with the planned convention and prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of any such event.

Read More

Four Nigerians Among Ten Given Jail Terms For London Phone Store Robbery

Wale busari03 mins

Four Nigerians and six other accomplices involved in a violent phone robbery gang that targeted mobile phone stores across London have been sentenced to a combined total of 55 years in prison, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed. The Nigerians—David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole—were identified as key members of the organised group responsible for 13 coordinated raids between September and November 2024, mostly targeting EE stores across the UK. The gang used threats of violence to force staff to open secure stock rooms, stealing high-value mobile phones and electronics worth approximately £240,000. Police said forensic and digital evidence played a crucial role in bringing the gang to justice. “Officers linked the suspects to multiple crime scenes through DNA, call data, and vehicle records. Surveillance caught the group preparing for further offences, and on November 19, 2024, four men were arrested during a robbery at an EE shop in Kilburn,” the Metropolitan Police said. Searches of addresses connected to the suspects recovered stolen items and further evidence linking them to the crimes. All ten suspects were charged, with eight pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025. After months of trial proceedings at Kingston Crown Court, sentences were handed down on Friday, November 7. The jail terms were detailed as follows: James Adodo, 10 years David Akintola, six years and six months Michael Babo, six years and 10 months Robert Hills, five years and three months Ayomide Olaribiro, four years and six months Nelson Joel, three years and three months Olabiyi Obasa, three years and six months David Okewole, seven years and six months Two others received lighter sentences for attempted robbery: Laville Bloise, two years, suspended for two years Mushtakim Miah, eight years and six months The Metropolitan Police noted that the lengthy jail terms reflect the violent nature of the gang’s activities and the threat they posed to both businesses and the public.

Read More

Regina Daniels Throws Shade At Ned Nwoko: Says His Tricks Failed As Fans And Family Rally Fiercely Behind Her

Wale busari02 mins

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has fired a sharp message at her husband, Ned Nwoko, amid ongoing tension in their marriage, especially surrounding the detention of her brother, Sammy West. In a candid video, she made it clear that Ned’s attempt to isolate her and turn people against her has completely backfired. Regina said: “Jokes on you, Ned. You thought people would hate me, but look at me now. My family, my friends, my fans, everybody is standing by me. You thought this would break me, but it has only made me stronger.” She went on to explain that the overwhelming love and support she’s received gave her courage to face the difficult times. Even the online mockery and criticism became fuel for her determination. Regina added that asking for help isn’t always easy, especially when not everyone around you has good intentions, but the loyalty of her fans, family, and friends has been a lifeline. Her message sent a bold warning to Ned: his attempts to intimidate and control her have failed. Regina is standing strong, empowered by those who truly care for her, and refusing to be silenced or undermined.   View this post on Instagram  

Read More