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Ekiti Queens Get ₦2.5m Fine, Three-Game Home Ban

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has imposed sanctions on Ekiti Queens following the assault on match officials during their Wednesday’s home match against Edo Queens in Ado-Ekiti, describing the incident as a severe violation of league safety and conduct regulations. In a swift response on Thursday, NWFL Media Director Samuel Ahmadu issued an official statement detailing the disciplinary actions, warning that the league organisers would not tolerate any threat to the safety of referees or the integrity of its competitions. Confirming the sanctions, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi condemned the attack and reiterated the league’s firm stance on safety and professionalism. “The assault on our match officials in Ado-Ekiti is completely unacceptable and a gross breach of NWFL regulations,” Shabi said. “The NWFL wishes to reiterate that the safety of referees is paramount. Violence, intimidation, or any behaviour that undermines the integrity of the league will attract the strongest possible sanctions.” Following the preliminary review of official reports and video evidences, the NWFL found Ekiti Queens guilty of multiple breaches of league regulations, including failure to provide adequate security, failure to control supporters, and allowing an unsafe environment that led to the attack on officials. As punishment,Ekiti Queens have been fined a total of ₦2.5 million for the varying breaches. In addition, the NWFL also ordered the club to play their next three home matches at a neutral venue in MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta. Shabi, also further, stressed that the penalties serve as a deterrent to all clubs across the league. “The NWFL will continue to enforce strict standards to protect match officials and maintain order at all centres. An attack on a referee is an attack on the league itself,” she said. “Clubs must ensure full compliance with our safety and conduct regulations.” The NWFL further appealed to home teams, state football associations, and matchday organisers to strengthen their security operations as the 2025/26 Premiership season gathers intensity.

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Morocco 2025: Chelle Picks Nwabali, Osimhen, Ndidi, 25 Others for 35th AFCON

Head Coach Eric Sékou Chelle has opted for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, and 20 other players to make up Nigeria’s 28-man roster for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations starting in Morocco in 10 days’ time. The Franco-Malian also picked defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Simon Moses, among others. There is a return for Cyprus-based goaltender Francis Uzoho, defender Igoh Ogbu and forward Paul Onuachu, while England-based defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed (Israel), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Italy) and Tochukwu Nnadi (Belgium), and Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal will be joining up with the group for the first time. The Super Eagles will clash with the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly encounter at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, 16th December, before flying aboard a chartered flight from Cairo to Fès (their battlefield in Group C) two days later. The three-time champions take on the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on 23rd December, before further group phase encounters against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles (27th December) and Uganda’s Cranes (30th December). 28 SUPER EAGLES FOR 35TH AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS MOROCCO 2025 Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus) Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England) Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel) Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961 (Croatia)

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Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo Dies After Collapse

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, has reportedly passed away. Sources say the deputy governor died on Thursday at an undisclosed hospital at the age of 60. Neither the Bayelsa State Government nor his family has provided details regarding the circumstances of his death. Reports indicate that Ewhrudjakpo collapsed on Thursday and was immediately taken to the hospital. Born on September 5, 1965, Ewhrudjakpo was a former federal lawmaker and had served as Bayelsa State’s Deputy Governor since 2020.

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Davido Surprises Daughters Hailey and Imade With Brand-New SUVs, Fans Praise His Fatherhood

Davido has treated his daughters, Hailey and Imade, to two brand-new SUVs, delighting fans online. The luxury GAC vehicles were showcased at the GAC office, and a video of the moment quickly went viral. Social media users applauded the singer’s gesture, celebrating his commitment to giving his children the very best. Fans flooded the internet with praise, hailing Davido as a devoted and caring father. Davido buys two brand new SUVs for his daughters, Hailey and Imade. pic.twitter.com/9F9snDjSnp — YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) December 11, 2025

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Lege Miami Claims His Friendship With Seyi Tinubu Is One-Sided Despite Repeated Attempts to Reach Him

Lege Miami, a Nollywood actor, has spoken about what he described as a one-sided friendship with Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a TikTok video, Lege said he had invested heavily in his matchmaking work with the hope that the connection would pay off someday, but he has received nothing in return. He also complained that Seyi Tinubu hardly answers his calls, despite his repeated attempts to reach him. “I never enjoy Seyi as a friend. I’ve spent a lot of money, all my matchmaking money. We communicate. At times, I can call Seyi Tinubu 100 times and he will not pick my call,” he said. Lege later suggested that Seyi’s lack of response might be because he is overwhelmed with responsibilities.

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Vine Crest College Staff Magaji Adebanjo Kidnapped Along Kabba Road, Appeals for Help

A man, Magaji Adebanjo, an employee of Vine Crest College, has appealed to Nigerians for help after being kidnapped by gunmen along Kabba Road in Kogi State. Adebanjo, from Imo Arikoko in Akoko, Ondo State, was abducted while traveling from Iperu to Abuja. His captors are reportedly demanding a ransom of N100 million for his release. In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, Adebanjo is seen tied up, exhausted, and terrified, with a gun aimed at his head as he pleads for assistance. Another man, apparently abducted alongside him, is visible with an injured knee, struggling to stand and appearing distressed. Through tears, Adebanjo recounted the ordeal: “My name is Magaji Adebanjo. I’m from Imo Arikoko in Ondo State. I work with Vine Crest College. When I was coming from Iperu to Abuja, I was kidnapped along Kabba Road. They are demanding N100 million.” He further begged for help, highlighting his family situation: “Please, help me. I don’t want to die. I have a pregnant wife, a four-year-old son, and an aged father depending on me. Please, help me. They want N100 million. I was taken yesterday. Please, help me.” The incident adds to growing concerns over rising kidnappings on highways in Kogi and neighbouring states, where commuters remain at risk from armed bandits.

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Idongesit Brothers Set for Fencing Junior World Cup in Uzbekistan

Nigeria’s rising fencing stars, Mahadi and Mahathir Idongesit, are set to compete among 60 athletes at this weekend’s International Fencing Federation (FIE) Junior Epee World Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The tournament, initially scheduled to take place in Lagos, was moved to Uzbekistan after the Nigeria Fencing Federation decided to focus its resources on hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Championships. The Idongesit brothers, who made their international debut at the 2025 African Championships in Lagos, are eager to test themselves against some of the world’s top competitors. Mahadi is currently ranked 595th globally, while Mahathir holds the 608th spot. They will face strong opponents, including Egyptian stars Youssef Shamel (world No. 4) and Eslam Osama (world No. 8). Fencers from Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Chinese Taipei, and host nation Uzbekistan will also participate in the event. Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, expressed optimism about the brothers’ participation: “We are excited that our fencers are back in action after months of inactivity, especially with the return of international tournaments. This experience will be invaluable as they prepare for the Commonwealth Championships in 2026. We hope more of our fencers take part in high-level competitions to measure themselves against the best in the Commonwealth.”

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YouTube Names Gaise Baba Nigeria’s Most-Watched Music Artist Of 2025

YouTube has unveiled its 2025 Nigeria Year-in-Review, spotlighting the music videos, creators, and entertainment content that captivated millions of Nigerians over the year. According to the report, gospel singer Akinade “Gaise Baba” Ibuoye and Nollywood actress Omoni Oboli emerged as the platform’s top names for 2025. The announcement was made by Addy Awofisayo, YouTube’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa. Gaise Baba led the music category with his viral worship hit, “No Turning Back II,” featuring Lawrence Oyor. Released in mid-May, the video quickly went viral, racking up over 41 million views in six months and generating huge engagement across social media. Here are the Most-Watched YouTube Music Videos in Nigeria for 2025: Gaise Baba – “No Turning Back II” ft. Lawrence Oyor Shallipopi – “Laho” Davido – “With You” ft. Omah Lay Olamide, Seyi Vibez, Asake & Young John – “Ninety Nine” ft. Daecolm Asake – “Why Love” Rema – “Baby Is It a Crime” Chella – “My Darling” Wizkid – “Kese (Dance)” Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy – “Laho II” Davido – “With You” ft. Omah Lay (Visualizer)

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