Wale busari

Super Eagles would have qualified for 2026 World Cup if i were still NFF President — Amaju Pinnick

Super Eagles Would Have Qualified for 2026 World Cup If I Were Still NFF President — Amaju Pinnick

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has claimed that he would have ensured the Super Eagles qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if he were still at the helm of Nigerian football. Pinnick made the remarks during an interview on Sunday Oliseh’s Global Football Insights show, expressing disappointment that Nigeria failed to take advantage of the expanded World Cup format, which allows up to ten African nations to qualify for the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. “I honestly didn’t see this coming,” Pinnick said. “With ten African teams qualifying, there is really no basis for Nigeria not to be among them.” He recalled Nigeria’s successful qualification for the 2018 World Cup, despite being drawn in what was considered one of the toughest groups in African qualifying history. “In 2018, we had the toughest group ever; we had all the AFCON winners. If I were there, definitely, Nigeria would have qualified,” he said. “Algeria hadn’t lost in over 20 games, Cameroon were defending champions, Zambia were champions, and Nigeria was the least considered. But guess what? We qualified with two games to spare, and we didn’t sleep.” Pinnick also referenced the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, where Nigeria narrowly missed out following a playoff defeat to Ghana under the away-goals rule. “We did the same work in 2022, but the format changed to head-to-head. Nobody gave Ghana a chance, but they came through. We didn’t lose that tie; we were eliminated on away goals.”

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JAMB Officials Walk Out On Lawmakers During Heated National Assembly Hearing

No Ban on Matriculated Students – JAMB Clears Air on UTME, DE Registration

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that candidates already enrolled in tertiary institutions are not prohibited from registering for the UTME or Direct Entry (DE) examinations. This statement comes amid claims circulating online that matriculated students are barred from registering for JAMB exams, which the board described as false. In a release, Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, explained that candidates must disclose any existing matriculation status during registration. This requirement is strictly for record-keeping and regulatory purposes, and to prevent multiple admissions. Benjamin noted, “Once a candidate secures admission through the latest UTME/DE registration, any previous admission automatically ceases, as the law does not permit a candidate to hold two admissions concurrently.” JAMB warned that concealing existing matriculation status is an offence. While the board’s system can detect prior admissions, deliberate concealment could lead to forfeiture of both opportunities. The board also urged the public to ignore misleading claims from self-styled education advocates who misrepresent official policies for personal gain.

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Grammy

68th Grammy Award Nominations [FULL LIST]

Rapper Kendrick Lamar has emerged as the most-nominated artist ahead of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, set to hold on Sunday in Los Angeles. Lamar leads all contenders with an impressive nine nominations, further cementing his status as one of the most influential and critically acclaimed artists of his generation. His strong showing places him at the forefront of this year’s awards race across several major categories. Trailing closely behind is Lady Gaga, who secured seven nominations, while Bad Bunny, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, and R&B singer-songwriter Leon Thomas each earned six nods apiece. With the ceremony just days away, anticipation continues to build as fans and industry insiders await what promises to be a highly competitive and star-studded Grammy night. Below are the different categories and the nominees. Album of the Year Debí Tirar Más Fotos – Bad Bunny Swag – Justin Bieber Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse (Pusha T & Malice) Mayhem – Lady Gaga GNX – Kendrick Lamar Mutt – Leon Thomas Chromakopia – Tyler, The Creator Record of the Year DtMF – Bad Bunny Manchild – Sabrina Carpenter Anxiety – Doechii Wildflower – Billie Eilish Abracadabra – Lady Gaga luther – Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA The Subway – Chappell Roan APT. – Rose and Bruno Mars Song of the Year Abracadabra – Lady Gaga Anxiety – Doechii APT. – Rose & Bruno Mars DtMF – Bad Bunny Golden (From “KPop Demon Hunters”) – HUNTR/X luther – Kendrick Lamar with SZA Manchild – Sabrina Carpenter Wildflower – Billie Eilish Best New Artist Olivia Dean KATSEYE The Marías Addison Rae sombr Leon Thomas Alex Warren Lola Young. Pop Categories Justin Bieber (Daisies) Sabrina Carpenter (Manchild) Lady Gaga (Disease) Chappell Roan (The Subway) Lola Young (Messy). Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande (Defying Gravity) HUNTR/X (Golden) KATSEYE (Gabriela) Rose & Bruno Mars (APT.) SZA with Kendrick Lamar (30 For 30). Best Pop Vocal Album Swag (Justin Bieber) Man’s Best Friend (Sabrina Carpenter) Something Beautiful (Miley Cyrus) Mayhem (Lady Gaga) I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2) (Teddy Swims) Rap Categories Best Rap Album Let God Sort Em Out (Clipse) Glorious (GloRilla) God Does Like Ugly (JID) GNX (Kendrick Lamar) Chromakopia (Tyler, The Creator). Best Rap Performance Cardi B (Outside) Clipse feat. Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams (Chains & Whips) Doechii (Anxiety) Kendrick Lamar feat. Lefty Gunplay (tv off) Tyler The Creator feat. Teezo Touchdown (Darling, I). Music Video and Global Music Best Music Video Manchild (Sabrina Carpenter) So Be It (Clipse) Anxiety (Doechii) Love (OK Go) Young Lion (Sade). Best Global Music Album Sounds of Kumbha (Siddhant Bhatia) No Sign of Weakness (Burna Boy) Éclairer le monde – Light the World (Youssou N’Dour) Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live) (Shakti) Chapter III: We Return to Light (Anoushka Shankar) Caetano e Bethania Ao Vivo (Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia).

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Gunmen Kill Two and Abduct 12 Passengers in Benue

BREAKING: Gunmen Attack Ebonyi Community, Kill Residents and Kidnap Others

Unidentified gunmen have launched a deadly attack on Okporojo community in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, leaving several residents feared dead and others abducted. According to reports, the assailants stormed the community in an ambush, setting houses ablaze, killing people, and forcefully taking away some residents. Witnesses said the attackers operated for hours, causing widespread panic as locals fled for safety. A video circulating on social media shows multiple buildings on fire, with distressed residents calling on the Ebonyi State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene and restore peace to the area after the gunmen attack. As of the time of filing this report, neither the Ebonyi State Police Command nor the state government has released an official statement on the incident. The attack has heightened fears among residents of nearby communities, amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.

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Slimcase

Slimcase Overjoyed as D’banj Gifts Him ₦65m SUV After CREAM Ambassador Deal (Video)

Popular Nigerian hypeman, Slimcase, couldn’t hide his excitement after music star D’banj surprised him with a brand new SUV reportedly worth ₦65 million. The excited entertainer shared a video of the luxury vehicle on his Instagram page on January 30, 2026, revealing that the gift followed his appointment as a brand ambassador for D’banj’s C.R.E.A.M platform. Slimcase’s reaction quickly went viral as he appeared visibly shocked while receiving the car key from D’banj. In the clip, he was seen inspecting the vehicle, removing his shirt in excitement, lifting the singer in celebration, and later prostrating as a sign of gratitude. The C.R.E.A.M platform—an acronym for Creative, Reality, Entertainment, Art and Music—was launched by D’banj in August 2016 in partnership with Sterling Bank. The initiative is aimed at discovering, supporting, and promoting indigenous creative talents across Nigeria. Slimcase’s appointment as ambassador and the accompanying SUV gift come amid recent online controversy involving fellow hypeman Mr Real and criticisms of the platform. Sharing the video, Slimcase congratulated D’banj on the innovation and celebrated the collaboration between CREAM and Sterling Bank, while also hailing himself as the platform’s first brand ambassador. The overexcited Slimcase, while sharing the video accompanied it with the caption; “A Very Big Congratulations 🎊on your innovation @iambangalee on your new Car production and A Big Congratulations 🎊to @thecreamplatform and @sterlingbank for collaborating in the production of “Li” and also A Big Congratulations🎊 to @iam_slimcase for being the First Brand Ambassador for the company 🎊🎉🥳.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by BIG SLIM (@iam_slimcase)

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Iyanya

‘I’m Struggling With Staying Celibate’ – Iyanya Laments

Popular Nigerian singer Iyanya has spoken candidly about his ongoing struggle with maintaining celibacy, admitting that his resolve often weakens when he meets attractive women. The Ur Waist crooner made the revelation during a conversation on the Afropolitan podcast, where he described his celibacy journey as inconsistent and challenging. According to him, while he sometimes commits to staying celibate, temptation often derails his efforts, leaving him with mixed feelings afterward. Iyanya explained that although he sometimes regrets breaking his celibacy, staying consistent remains difficult. He added that the experience often makes him miss the discipline he was trying to maintain in the first place. The 39-year-old singer also revealed that he is not considering marriage at the moment, saying he does not feel mentally ready. He noted that maturity has taught him the importance of honesty in his relationships, stressing that he now clearly communicates his emotional state to people he meets. According to Iyanya, being upfront about where he is in life has helped him avoid misleading others or

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AGN lifts suspension on Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar

AGN Lifts Suspension on Nollywood Actress, Halima Abubakar

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has lifted the suspension placed on Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar, restoring her eligibility to participate in guild activities and film projects. Abubakar had been under an indefinite suspension since October 2024 over allegations of defamation involving fellow actors and other notable Nigerians. A two-year investigation carried out by a guild-appointed panel found her culpable, leading to her exclusion from all AGN programmes during that period. The development was announced on Thursday by the outgoing AGN National President, Emeka Rollas, during the inauguration of the guild’s new National Executive Council (NEC) at the AGN national secretariat in Abuja. The ceremony was attended by actors from across the country, filmmakers, and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry. Rollas, whose second and final term ended in December 2025, officially handed over leadership to Abubakar Yakubu. While addressing attendees, he explained the decision to lift Halima Abubakar’s suspension. “There were persons that we have suspended according to the AGN law, and because I’m leaving office, I don’t want to leave them suspended,” he said. He added that although Halima Abubakar had taken the guild to court over the matter, the AGN carried out its investigations and enforced disciplinary measures. However, Rollas noted that continuing the suspension would unfairly affect her livelihood. “Since acting remains her main source of livelihood, it would be wicked for us to leave her like that. Therefore today, by the powers imposed on me by the Board of Trustees and the entire Actors Guild of Nigeria, I hereby lift Halima Abubakar’s suspension,” he stated. Rollas also disclosed that the suspensions placed on Christopher Igboji, Chidi Concord, Dan Ewerem, and Jeff Okwute, members of the AGN Enugu State chapter, had likewise been lifted. Earlier at the event, the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the inauguration, Chuks Chyke, commended Rollas for his leadership, crediting him with promoting stability and inclusiveness within the guild during his tenure.

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Harrysong

“Nothing must happen to them” – Harrysong’s ex-wife warns as she gives up custody of children

Alexer Peres, ex-wife of singer Harrysong, has announced that she is temporarily stepping back from custody of their two young children, aged four and three. In an emotional video shared on her Instagram story on Thursday, Alexer explained that she has been handling parenting responsibilities alone since their separation, with the children visiting their father occasionally. “I didn’t plan to come on here, but I want this to serve as evidence that I’m making the hardest decision of my life. At this point, I have no option,” she said. Alexer accused Harrysong of constant interference and harassment, saying he shows up unannounced, making it difficult for her to care for the children. “This man has not let me rest. He frustrates my efforts and harasses me everywhere,” she added. Alexer further noted that while she will respond to allegations in court, the emotional pressure is currently overwhelming. “I’m giving him custody for now. That doesn’t mean I won’t come back for my children,” Alexer said, expressing concern over the children living with domestic staff in their father’s absence. “No mother wants to live without her children, but I don’t know what else to do. I’ll always come back. I want you in my life,” she said. The couple, who married in 2021, have been open about their marital difficulties. Harrysong had requested privacy during their struggles, while Alexer publicly announced she was “officially done” with the marriage in January 2024.

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