2025 | Page 207 of 264 | Trendbrio.com

Ex-Eagles’ Striker, Ideye, Denies Second Wife Rumours

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago01 mins

AFCON 2010 winning Super Eagles’ striker, Brown Ideye has reiterated that he is not secretly married to another woman outside wedlock. Furious about the rumours spediang like wildfire, the Enyimba FC forward took to his twitter handle now X to dismiss the claims. “Have said this before and I’m saying it again. I don’t have a second wife or family home or abroad. Happily married 2010 and God bless my wife and with two lovely boys. “Don’t take my silence for foolishness. Period!,” he warned. The goalpoacher, who is married to Damka Ideye and were blessed with two boys, Andriy Ideye and Brown Ideye Jr. was accused of having children with a Ukrainian woman during his career at Dynamo Kyiv of Ukraine.

I Escaped Nigeria After EndSARS, But The Country Still Stresses Me

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago05 mins

He couldn’t see a future in Nigeria after 2020 — and he still doesn’t. Ben (33) made the decision to leave Nigeria permanently after witnessing the #EndSARS protests. Although he now lives in the UK with his wife, the country he left behind — and its challenges — still linger in his mind. In this week’s Abroad Life, he shares what it’s like starting over as a newly married man abroad. “We moved out of Nigeria in November 2023 and currently live in the UK. Honestly, everything about Nigeria made us consider leaving. I had spent my entire life there, and after a series of events, I just couldn’t see a future that aligned with the life I wanted. It wasn’t about career progression — I was already doing well. I worked as a finance manager at a multinational company, and my wife was thriving in her field. But I was heavily involved in the EndSARS protests and the elections, and those experiences killed my hope in the country’s direction. I couldn’t imagine raising a family under those conditions.” “Life in Nigeria was relatively comfortable — we had a rented apartment, two cars, decent savings. But despite earning well, it always felt like we were chasing after stability that never came. International vacations weren’t consistent, inflation was relentless, and the cost of living made it hard to enjoy the rewards of hard work. So, when my wife was recruited by one of the Big Four firms in the UK, we took the chance. Since moving, our quality of life has improved dramatically — no more traffic jams, fuel queues, or blackouts. I walk to work in two minutes instead of spending five hours in Lagos traffic. I now have the time and peace of mind to focus on self-growth — learning languages, cooking, going to the gym. Here, life feels more intentional.” “Married life has also been better since we moved. We left Nigeria a month or two after getting married, and while the relocation process didn’t give us much time to settle into married life initially, we’ve since grown closer. In Nigeria, I worked long hours and barely had time for us outside of weekends. Now, we get to walk to work together, eat lunch together, and share the little routines that build a life. Having a partner made the transition easier. Adapting to a new country — especially during the long winter months — would have been harder alone. Moving together gave us emotional support and made the adjustment smoother.” “I do miss Nigeria — especially the food and the social life. There’s no Nigerian restaurant where we live, so sometimes we take a trip to London just to get a proper meal. Friday nights in Nigeria meant grilled fish, good music, and hanging out at a lounge. That vibe is hard to find here. I also miss having family nearby. But overall? I’d rate my happiness in the UK a ten. Life is peaceful, more stable, and honestly — beautiful.”

U20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Draw Tunisia, Kenya and Morocco

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

Nigeria will now have to contend with Morocco, Kenya and Tunisia in the group phase of the 24th Africa U20 Cup of Nations taking place in Egypt, 27th April – 18th May this year. At the redraw conducted in the headquarters of the Egypt Football Association in Cairo on Sunday, Egypt and South Africa, who were originally in Nigeria’s pool before Cote d’Ivoire withdrew as tournament hosts, found themselves in Group A. New hosts Egypt head Group A, which has five teams – with Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Tanzania as the other teams. However, just like it was originally, the Flying Eagles will confront two North African teams (this time, Tunisia and Morocco), as well as East Africans Kenya, for a place in the quarter-finals. Cup holders Senegal head Group C, with Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana as opponents. Back in Abuja following their three-week training camp in Katsina, the seven-time African champions are expected to fly to Egypt this week for an eight-day final-phase preparation before the competition commences. All four semi-finalists at the tournament in Egypt will fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, 27th September – 19th October. GROUP A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania GROUP B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco GROUP C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana

Sports

CAF Unveils New U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 Logo, Trophy

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

CAF Unveils New U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 Logo, Trophy With just hours to go before the Final Draw of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2025, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has unveiled a striking new logo and trophy for the continental youth showpiece. The new visual identity marks a powerful step in celebrating the journey of Africa’s brightest young footballers as they transition from promising talents to future icons of the global game. The trophy, titled “Rising Star”, symbolises growth, aspiration, and the brilliance of emerging African talent. With bold upward-facing star elements and a sleek, modern silhouette, the trophy reflects the energy, determination, and momentum of the continent’s rising stars. At its core, the map of Africa is intricately fused with a football, signifying the deep-rooted connection between the continent and its youth. This newly designed trophy also inspires the competition’s refreshed logo, which mirrors the trophy’s sharp lines and upward thrust. The dynamic emblem encapsulates the strength, unity, and pride of Africa’s young generation—poised to make a mark on the international stage. The unveiling comes as anticipation builds for Sunday’s Final Draw, which took place at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo. The draw was broadcasted live on CAF TV and ON Time Sports, and will determine the group stage path for the 13 participating teams. The tournament will run from 27 April to 18 May 2025, and is set to bring together the best youth teams from across the continent, including defending champions Senegal, hosts Egypt, record champions Nigeria, and debutants Sierra Leone. As the tournament enters a new era, the logo and trophy stand as visual representations of CAF’s commitment to empowering African youth through football and celebrating the spirit of unity, talent, and opportunity that define the Under-20 category.

BAL: Rivers Hoopers Fall to Al Ittihad in Kalahari Conference Clash

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

Rivers Hoopers suffered their second loss of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Kalahari Conference, falling 94-77 to Egyptian powerhouse Al-Ittihad Alexandria in a lopsided contest. Hoopers were beaten in crucial areas, especially from beyond the arc, where Al Ittihad’s accurate shooting made the difference, even though they had already guaranteed their spot in the BAL playoffs. TheKingsMen made 21.2% (7 of 33) three-pointers, while the Egyptians made 14 of their 33 shots at a remarkable 42.4% rate. Al Ittihad shot 50% from the field, while the Rivers team was unable to keep up offensively, shooting only 38%. Throughout the game, the Nigerian champions were also beset by turnovers and missed opportunities. Madut Akec led the scoring for Rivers Hoopers with 17 points, while Kelvin Amayo added 11 points and a team-high 7 assists. The top performer on the glass was Peter Olisemeka, who pulled down a game-high 17 rebounds to go with 8 points. Abel Offia also added 8 points and 3 steals in the fourth quarter. Rivers Hoopers will now shift focus to their final group stage match against Stade Malien, as they look to close out their Kalahari Conference campaign on a high note.

NFF Deeply Saddened By Demise of 1980 AFCON Winner, Charles Bassey

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation says it is ‘deeply saddened’ by the death on Saturday of another member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning Green Eagles squad, Charles Bassey. He was 71. Bassey died after protracted illness in his native town of Eket, Akwa Ibom State, hours after it was confirmed that the captain of that team, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, had passed on in Enugu. “This has been a day of double tragedy, and the NFF and the entire Nigeria football fraternity are deeply saddened by the turn of events. We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier in the day; now, we have to mourn Charles Bassey. May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said. Forward Charles Bassey was in the 22-man squad that became Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations champions, after a 3-0 defeat of Algeria’s Fennecs at the National Stadium, Surulere on Saturday, 22nd March 1980. Afterwards, he coached various clubs within the country, including Calabar Rovers, home-town club Mobil Pegasus, BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, Akwa United and Wikki Tourists of Bauchi. His death brings to nine the number of persons in that squad that have departed, following the passing on of goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, defenders Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima and Tunde Bamidele, midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal and forward Martins Eyo.

Eight Killed as Bus Hits Explosive Device in Borno Tensions Rise Over Minister’s Comments

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

At least eight people, including a driver and seven passengers, were killed on Saturday after their vehicle hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists along the Maiduguri–Damboa–Biu federal highway. The tragic incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. near Gidan Kaji (Poultry House) in Konduga Local Government Area, a location that has remained deserted for over a decade due to insurgency. A convoy of private and commercial vehicles was being escorted by troops from Damboa to Maiduguri when the explosion happened, seriously injuring several others who were later rushed to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri for treatment. The District Head of Damboa, Lawan Maina, confirmed the casualties and urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify their efforts in combating terrorism in the region. The deadly attack came shortly after former Borno Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Yerima Lawan Kareto, criticized the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for downplaying the security concerns raised by Governor Babagana Zulum. Governor Zulum had earlier warned that Borno may be losing ground to terrorists, citing recent Boko Haram attacks and displacement of military formations in areas like Wulgo, Izge, Sabon Gari, and Wajirko. In response to Zulum’s statement, Minister Idris issued a press release claiming the government remained committed to defeating terrorism and described the governor’s remarks as misinformed. The minister’s aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, later clarified that the controversial headline attributed to his boss—“Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram has not taken over Borno”—was categorically false and a misrepresentation of the minister’s comments. Still, Hon. Kareto maintained that the rebuttal was insufficient, insisting that the minister should visit Borno personally to understand the gravity of the situation and offer an apology to both the state government and its people. Kareto, a native of Damasak, challenged Minister Idris to travel with him to the frontline communities to witness the reality firsthand. He emphasized that the people of Borno continue to support Governor Zulum’s administration, which has consistently provided critical resources to security agencies since 2019. Kareto urged the governor and frontline troops not to be discouraged by the Minister’s remarks but to remain focused in the battle against insurgency. “Borno’s resilience should not be taken for granted,” Kareto stated, adding that only an on-ground assessment could help federal authorities better understand the renewed threat posed by Boko Haram.

Boko Haram: Information Minister Naive Says Zulum

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago14 mins

overnor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has responded to a news report suggesting that the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the governor’s concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the state. Zulum had earlier raised alarm over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings, stating that the insurgents are regaining ground with minimal resistance from security forces. He made these remarks during a meeting with security agencies in Maiduguri on Tuesday, where he urged coordinated efforts to address the situation. According to Daily Trust, Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), continue to wreak havoc in the northeast, targeting civilians and military installations and displacing thousands. However, a separate publication claimed that the Information Minister dismissed the governor’s concerns. In a swift rebuttal, Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, issued a statement describing the publication as false and misleading. “At no time did the Minister say, ‘Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram is not taking over Borno.’ Such a headline is sensational and a deliberate act of misinformation,” the statement read. In an interview with journalists, Governor Zulum said he would not exchange words with the Minister but believed the Information Minister is unaware of the gravity of the situation. “I believe he is naive of what is happening in the country. Our discussions during the Security Council meeting were not confrontational. We merely raised the alarm over the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in Borno and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the state government, military, and paramilitary forces,” Zulum explained, adding that such warnings should be seen as constructive. He assured residents that proactive steps are already being taken. The governor revealed that he had met with key service chiefs in Abuja and received assurances that the military would respond robustly to the emerging threats. “Under my watch, Boko Haram will not regain the capacity they once had. We will strengthen our support to the military, and mobilize our civilian joint task force, hunters, and vigilantes,” he said. Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to restoring peace, saying, “Since taking office in 2019, we’ve made significant progress. What is happening now will not be allowed to continue unchecked.”