Victor Boniface To Miss Rest Of 2025/2026 Season After Serious Knee Injury

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface will be sidelined for the rest of the 2025/2026 season following a serious knee injury, Werder Bremen have announced. The Nigeria international had been managing the problem since last summer but continued playing until December, when the injury worsened, forcing him to miss Bremen’s final two matches of the year. Medical tests later confirmed damage to the knee cartilage. Initially, Boniface delayed surgery, hoping the injury would stabilise. By December, the condition had deteriorated to the point where he could no longer play. After the Christmas break, he traveled to Austria for a second opinion, with his January 7 appointment postponed by a day due to bad weather. Specialists confirmed that surgery is now unavoidable and will require a lengthy recovery. Werder Bremen said Boniface will undergo the procedure soon, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. While no exact return date was provided, the club indicated that his rehabilitation will extend beyond the current campaign. The setback is a blow for both Werder Bremen and the Super Eagles, as Boniface will miss all remaining domestic and international fixtures. He will now focus on recovery and rehabilitation, aiming to return to full fitness ahead of the next season.

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Muyiwa Ademola Explains Absence From Cousin Allwell Ademola’s Burial In Emotional Tribute

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Muyiwa Ademola has shared an emotional message explaining why he was absent from the burial of his cousin, late actress Allwell Ademola, which took place in Lagos. In a heartfelt social media post, the actor revealed that he was outside the country at the time and was unable to return home early enough to attend the burial. He expressed deep sorrow over her passing, describing it as a painful reminder of how unpredictable life can be. Muyiwa reflected on mortality and the fleeting nature of life, noting that each passing day brings people closer to the end. He also used the moment to pray for long life while coming to terms with the loss of his cousin. In his tribute, he asked Allwell Ademola to convey his greetings to departed family members, including his father, Awofe Ademola, and Uncle Adetokunbo Ademola. “It’s a final Goodbye Couz. The saddest part is my not being in the country to witness your final journey back home. Your death is just another painful reminder that tomorrow is never promised! Each day we live is deducted from the days we would live on earth, each birthday we celebrate takes us closer to our final birthday! May we live long, amen. Sun re o Omo Oba EniObanke Ademola, bami ki baba mi Awofe Ademola, ki Uncle Adetokunbo Ademola… o digba o! O di gbere!”

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Fetty Wap Released After Serving Over Three Years In Prison

Fetty Wap has been released from prison ahead of schedule after serving more than three years for federal drug-related offences. The “Trap Queen” rapper regained his freedom on Thursday, January 8, ending a sentence that followed his conviction on drug charges. The 34-year-old artist confirmed his release in a statement shared shortly afterward. “I want to thank my family, friends, and fans for the love, prayers, and continued support — it truly means everything to me,” he said, according to Billboard. Looking ahead, Fetty Wap said his attention is now on community-focused work and philanthropy. “Right now, my focus is on giving back through my community initiatives and foundation, supporting at-risk young children by expanding access to education, early tech skills, and vision care for young kids and students so they can show up as their best selves,” he added. His early release has sparked reactions across social media, with fans welcoming his return and anticipating his next steps.

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Kamaru Usman Apologises After Leaked Private Call With Anthony Joshua Sparks Backlash

Former UFC welterweight titleholder Kamaru Usman has issued a public apology after a private FaceTime conversation with ex-heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua surfaced online without permission. The leaked footage appeared in a YouTube video Usman posted on Wednesday and captured an emotional exchange between the two fighters in the aftermath of a tragic road accident in Nigeria that killed two of Joshua’s close friends. The call was made on December 30, a day after the crash, while Joshua was still hospitalised and shortly before an MMA event in Lagos. The accident occurred on December 29 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both close associates of the boxer. Joshua survived the crash and was rescued from the damaged vehicle before being taken to Duchess International Hospital for treatment. In the video, he is seen on a hospital bed with bandages on his head and body, speaking candidly to Usman about the loss and admitting the weight of the tragedy had not fully registered. During the call, Usman asked about where the victims were seated in the black Lexus at the time of the accident. “One was in the front and one was behind him, on the right side. They both passed away. It still hasn’t sunk in. It still hasn’t hit me yet,” Joshua said. “I’m sorry for that, man. You scared the world, I’ll tell you that right now,” Usman responded. “Life is short, man. Life is short. And now look, I get to speak with you for the first time,” Joshua added. “I know. It’s a funny way how things move, you know? We thank God,” Usman replied. Anthony Joshua speaking to Kamaru Usman whilst still in hospital, following his recent crash. 🚨pic.twitter.com/YuISttaaex — Cloudbet (@Cloudbet) January 8, 2026 Usman also reflected on the public reaction to the incident, saying, “You scared the world. It’s crazy because, obviously, we deal with the haters and all the bull**** every time, and it sucks that it takes something serious like this to really see how many people have their eyes on you.” The decision to release the clip triggered widespread backlash online, with many criticising Usman for sharing such a personal and painful moment. Addressing the criticism on his Instagram story on Thursday, Usman admitted fault and apologised for the oversight. “After seeing what’s being written, it’s quite heartbreaking. Being on camera that whole day in preparation for The AKO Show, it completely slipped my mind that my conversation was recorded,” he wrote. “I realised afterwards and asked about it. I take full responsibility for not properly reviewing the video that was released and for failing to keep my private conversation with my brother, AJ, private. SMH. Big L on me. That’s not something I would ever do to a friend or brother.” After seeing what’s being written it’s quite heartbreaking. Being on camera that whole day in preparation for The AKO show, it completely slipped my mind that my conversation was recorded. I realized after and asked about it. I take full responsibility for not properly watching… — KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) January 8, 2026

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Morocco Defeat Cameroon 2–0 To Advance To AFCON 2025 Semifinals

Morocco sealed a place in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 2–0 win over Cameroon on Friday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The Atlas Lions struck first in the 26th minute through Brahim Diaz, who capitalised on sustained pressure to give the hosts an early advantage. Cameroon attempted to respond in the second half but were unable to find a breakthrough, and their challenge faded further when Ismael Saibari doubled Morocco’s lead in the 74th minute. Morocco’s quarterfinal appearance followed a narrow 1–0 victory over Tanzania in the Round of 16. They had earlier topped Group A with seven points, ending the group stage in style with a dominant 3–0 win against Zambia. Cameroon reached the last eight after edging South Africa 2–1. The Indomitable Lions finished second in Group F on seven points, having recorded wins over Gabon and Mozambique and a draw with Côte d’Ivoire.

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Governor Alex Otti’s Aides Survive Gunmen Attack In Owerri, No Casualties Reported

Labour Party Recognises Alex Otti As National Leader

The Labour Party (LP) has formally recognised Abia State Governor Alex Otti as its national leader while extending goodwill to its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The decision was announced in a communiqué issued by the party’s National Secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) held on Wednesday to address issues concerning the party’s stability, growth, and strategic direction. According to the communiqué, the NWC unanimously endorsed Governor Otti as the national leader of the party. It also expressed best wishes to Peter Obi, stating that the Labour Party’s leadership wishes him success in his future political pursuits and in his new party. The NWC further recognised former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, as the party’s national chairman. The party explained that this position is consistent with the Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025, which ruled that the tenure of Julius Abure as national chairman had expired. The Labour Party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accord Nenadi Usman and the National Secretary, Nwokocha, full recognition in line with the court ruling already acknowledged by the electoral body. It also reaffirmed that all congresses and the National Convention of the party would be conducted strictly in line with the provisions of its constitution, encouraging members at all levels to participate actively. The party thanked its members and Nigerians for their continued support, stressing that the Labour Party remains united and committed to promoting equal opportunity, social justice, and good governance. The Labour Party placed third in the 2023 presidential election, with Peter Obi as its flagbearer.

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Court Orders NARD To Suspend Strike Planned For January 12 Pending Hearing

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja has prohibited the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and its members from going on strike starting January 12. The order was issued on Friday by Justice Emmanuel Subilim following an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). The defendants in the suit (NICN/ABJ/06/2026) include NARD, its National President Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleman, and Secretary General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim. The court said the restraining order will remain in force until the suit is determined and adjourned the matter to January 21 for hearing. The Federal Government has been directed to serve the order on the defendants, who may apply to vary or discharge it within seven days of receipt. Justice Subilim said the court took into account the FG’s submissions, led by Mrs. Maimuna Lami Shiru, Director of Civil Litigation at the Federal Ministry of Justice, as well as the supporting affidavits and annexures. He ruled: “An interim order of injunction is hereby granted restraining the Defendants Respondents, their members, servants, agents, privies, and/or any other person acting on their behalf or at their directives from calling, directing, organizing, participating in or embarking upon any form of industrial action, including but not limited to strikes, work stoppages, go-slows, picketing or any other form of industrial protest or disruption; as well as taking steps preparatory to or in furtherance of any industrial action, from the 12th of January, 2026, until the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.” The court added that it was satisfied the case warranted an interim injunction. NARD had announced plans for an indefinite strike, citing the Federal Government’s failure to implement agreed welfare demands. The announcement came after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on January 2. The association had earlier suspended a 29-day strike on November 29, 2025, after the FG promised to meet its demands within four weeks—a deadline that passed without visible progress.

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Senegal Defeat Mali 1–0 To Advance To AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals

Senegal secured a 1–0 victory over Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-finals in Tangier, booking their spot in the semi-finals. The only goal of the match came in the 27th minute from Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye. Mali’s hopes were further hampered when Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma was shown a second yellow card in added time before halftime, reducing the Eagles to ten men. The win reinforces Senegal’s dominance over Mali, keeping the Lions of Teranga unbeaten against their neighbours and marking their fifth appearance in an AFCON semi-final. The team also extends an impressive streak of 15 consecutive matches without defeat in the tournament. Mali had advanced from the Round of 16 via penalties against Tunisia but struggled to break through Senegal’s organised defence. The Eagles, who had drawn all their matches in regulation time prior to this game, exit the tournament without reaching a semi-final for the first time since 2013. Senegal now move closer to AFCON glory and will face a high-stakes semi-final clash as the tournament reaches its concluding stages.

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