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Motsepe Insists 2025 AFCON Will Proceed In Morocco Despite Nationwide Protests

Morocco 2025: Mali, Senegal Favored Against Tunisia, Sudan

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The Round of 16 of perhaps the biggest and most glamorous Africa Cup of Nations finals in history begins on Saturday evening, with two matches each on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, and with expectations high on the parts of playing personnel, coaching crews, supporters and stakeholders of the beautiful game on the continent. Senegal Vs Sudan (Grand Stade de Tanger: Saturday, 5pm) The Lions of Teranga are making their 17th AFCON appearance and must be fancied to progress to the Round of 8, against the Falcons of Jediane. They will miss their defence bulwark Kalidou Koulibaly, who will not be available for the duel in Tangier. While Senegal finally claimed the trophy in 2021 in Cameroon after a number of runner-up positions, Sudan were victorious on home soil in 1970. The Falcons are making their 10th AFCON appearance, while the Lions are here for the 17th time. Sudan are coached by Ghanaian James Kwesi Appiah, and Senegal by Pape Thiaw. Mali Vs Tunisia (Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca: Saturday, 8pm) Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles finished second in Group C, won by Nigeria, and should expect an explosive encounter against the Eagles of Mali. The North African giants are the AFCON’s most consistent team, appearing in their 17th consecutive finals, and 22nd overall. They won the title on home soil in 2004. Mali’s Eagles finished as runners-up at the 1972 finals in Cameroon. They are coached by Belgian Tom Saintfiet, while Tunisia have former captain Sami Trabelsi as the head coach. Morocco Vs Tanzania (Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah: Sunday, 5pm) The Atlas Lions, semi-finalists at the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals, see this tournament as one specially carved for them to win. They started well and finished the group phase with aplomb, hammering 2012 champions Zambia 3-0. They are making their 20th appearance in a competition they have won only once before – when the event was staged on league basis in Ethiopia in 1976. Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi have three goals each in the tournament, and captain Achraf Hakimi, Azzedine Ounahi and Sofyan Amrabat are stalwarts to be respected. Tanzania’s Taifa Stars are in the Round of 16 despite finishing third in Group C with two points. Captain Mbwana Samatta will push his team-mates to attain the kind of form they did in holding Tunisia to a 1-1 draw in their last match of the group phase. The Stars are making only their fourth appearance at the AFCON, and have set a record of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time. South Africa Vs Cameroon (Stade El Barid, Rabat: Sunday, 8pm) Champions on home soil in 1996, the Bafana Bafana will fancy their chances against a Cameroonian side that entered the tournament in chaos, but has managed to steady things and cobble together a structure. Cameroon have won the title on five occasions (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002 and 2017) and are fancied to make this encounter difficult for Bafana. David Pagou, leading Cameroon from the dug-out, will bank on Etta Eyong and Bryan Mbeumo to take the battle to the Bafana and get early goals. Cameroon are making their 21st appearance while the Bafana are making only their 11th. Egypt Vs Bénin Republic (Grand Stade d’Agadir: Monday, 5pm) Seven-time champions Egypt, coached by former captain Hossam Hassan, are seen as one of the favourites. Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Hany, Mahmoud Trezeguet and goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy (picked as goalkeeper of the group phase) can turn a game on its head in a couple of minutes. This is Egypt’s 27th AFCON appearance. Bénin will be no push-overs in Agadir. Coach Gernot Rohr is an old war-horse and has captain Khaled Adénon and Steve Mounié to drive his gameplan. Nigeria Vs Mozambique (Complexe Sportif de Fès: Monday, 8pm) Nigeria, three-time champions, have never lost in five previous meetings with The Mambas of Mozambique. Their only AFCON meeting ended in a 3-0 thrashing for the southern Africans in Angola 16 years ago, with a brace by Peter Odemwingie and one by Obafemi Martins. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and some of the other first-teamers rested for the clash with Uganda are expected to return, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the search for goals. The Super Eagles are making their 21st AFCON appearance. The Mambas are making only their fifth AFCON appearance, but gave Cameroon a tough time in their final group phase clash in Agadir on Wednesday. Their best outing before now has been a quarter-final berth in 2021. Algeria Vs DR Congo (Complexe Sportif Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan: Tuesday, 5pm) Two-time winners in 1990 and 2019, the Fennecs are making their 20th AFCON appearance, and have a talisman who almost always delivers. They won four of their matches in qualifying, scoring 11 goals and conceding only two. Captain Riyad Mahrez is to be feared all the time he touches the ball, and he has Ismael Bennacer and Baghdad Bounedjah as able assistants. DR Congo are highly motivated by qualification for the final FIFA World Cup Playoff Tournament in Mexico, where they will play only one match to qualify for the finals. They have captain Chancel Mbemba to lead the orchestra, with Cédric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa and Meshack Elia also in great form. Cote d’Ivoire Vs Burkina Faso (Grand Stade de Marrakech: Tuesday, 8pm) Cup holders Cote d’Ivoire face tough customers Stallions of Burkina Faso for a place in the Round of 8, with their neighbours to the north desirous of stopping their march towards retaining the title. Runners-up in 2013 in South Africa (to Nigeria), Burkina Faso will throw the kitchen sink at their more illustrious neighbours, and they have captain Bertrand Traoré and Edmond Tapsoba to lead their charge. Heroes of their 2023 triumph, Franck Kessie, Simon Adingra, Oumar Diakite and Serge Aurier are still available, and whichever team under-rates the Elephants does so at its own peril. ROLL OF HONOURS Year Winner Score Runner-up Host 1957 Egypt 4-0 Ethiopia Sudan 1959 Egypt 2-1 Sudan Egypt…

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Family Releases Burial Schedule For Late Actress Allwell Ademola, January 8–9

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The family of the late Nollywood actress, Allwell Ademola, has formally announced plans for her burial. Details of the arrangements were shared in a statement made public by her cousin, actor Muyiwa Ademola. According to the family, tributes will begin on Thursday, January 8, with a Service of Songs, after which a candlelight procession will take place. The actress will be buried on Friday, January 9, at the Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos. The statement also outlined what attendees are expected to wear. A customised T-shirt will be distributed at the venue on Thursday, while guests are requested to attend the burial on Friday dressed in white shirts and jeans, in line with the approved colour code. “The burial arrangement for Princess Allwell Ademola. Note: On Thursday, a customised T-shirt will be provided at the venue. While on Friday for the burial, you can come wearing a white shirt with jeans. Colour code is white. Thank you, everyone.” Further information showed that activities on Thursday will commence with the Service of Songs from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Preparations for the candlelight procession will follow immediately, with the walk scheduled from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, covering the route from LTV 8 to Oregun Junction and back. An Artistes’ Night will then be held, with the event expected to conclude at 11:00pm.

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Singer Dija Welcomes Fourth Child, Starts 2026 As Mother Of Four

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Singer Dija has joyfully announced the arrival of her fourth child. She shared the news on Instagram, reflecting on the past year and expressing gratitude for her family and supporters. In her post, she wrote: ”Mood knowing you survived everything and every lesson that came at you in 2025 Alhamdullilah, while pregnant with our 4th child and having him two days ago 29th Dec, 2025. Entering 2026 in shaa Allah as a mother of 4 and kickstarting what I know is a blessed year ahead is something to be grateful for. Thank you to my Husband, Children, Parents, sibling, in laws, friends and extended family for every lesson, good, bad and ugly, love, support and guidance during one of the craziest years. Thank you to all of you for supporting our businesses and being part of our community growth. Be Brave in all things. Happy New in advance and be safe out there please. Love always Mama Bear 🐻 👦🏾👧🏾👧🏾👦🏾” Dija’s message highlights her excitement about starting 2026 as a mother of four and her appreciation for the love and support around her.   View this post on Instagram  

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EFCC Rejects Bauchi Governor’s Allegations Of Political Targeting

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed that the agency is being used by the Federal Government or political rivals to target him and his administration. In a statement released on Friday, the EFCC urged Nigerians to disregard the governor’s allegations, calling them baseless and misleading. “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission views with great displeasure the claims by Governor Bala Mohammed that the Commission is being used by political opponents, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to persecute him and his aides,” the statement said. The commission described the allegations as “wild” and “far-fetched,” emphasizing that it operates independently and without political influence. “The EFCC is an independent agency established to fight economic and financial crimes. It carries out its mandate without favoritism or ill will. Suggesting that the Commission can be influenced by political interests is mischievous and condemnable,” it added. The EFCC also rejected claims that any political officeholder could sway its investigations. “It is derogatory for the governor to attribute the Commission’s activities in Bauchi State to the influence of Mr. Wike. No political official can interfere with the investigative processes of the Commission,” the statement read. Addressing the governor’s own legal history, the EFCC said Bala Mohammed was already facing charges before he assumed office. “If Governor Mohammed were transparent, he would have disclosed that he was on trial for money laundering at the time he won the governorship election in Bauchi State,” the agency said, noting that only the constitutional immunity attached to his office prevented prosecution. The EFCC also recalled that investigations into Mohammed date back to 2016, questioning his claims of political persecution. “Who influenced the Commission to investigate him in 2016 and charge him to court?” the agency asked. On ongoing cases involving Bauchi State officials, the EFCC said the matters are before the courts and based on evidence, not political vendetta. “The facts against some Bauchi State government officials have already been presented to the court,” the statement said, urging the public to review the charges themselves. The commission dismissed the governor’s remarks regarding terrorism financing, stating that it was simply enforcing the law. “Raising alarms over terrorism financing issues is unfounded. Ignoring legal violations would amount to dereliction of duty,” it said. Finally, the EFCC accused politicians of double standards, noting that allegations of persecution typically surface only when opposition figures are investigated. “It is hypocritical for opposition politicians to claim persecution each time an opposition figure is called to account,” the statement said, advising Governor Mohammed to focus on governance while the Commission continues its work against financial crimes.

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Portable Sparks Controversy By Declaring Bewaji His Only Wife

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Portable has ignited drama after announcing that Bewaji is his one and only wife, stripping the “wife” title from all other women who share children with him. In a video shared on New Year’s Day, the singer stated that in 2026, he will recognize only one wife, while the other women are to be considered “baby mamas.” The clip shows Portable in a tense exchange with several women, with one of them grabbing his shirt in frustration as he makes the declaration. “2026, it is one wife, baby mamas. Bewaji is my only wife, the rest of you are baby mamas,” he said. Portable declares openly to Bewaji during heat exchange moment: "2026 I want to wipe off the housewife title. Bewaji is the only one I recognize as my wife — the rest are just babymamas." pic.twitter.com/lOGi3cLGfD — CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) January 2, 2026

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BREAKING: US Executes Strike On Venezuela, Captures President Maduro And Wife

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President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that the United States carried out a major strike against Venezuela, resulting in the capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country.” CNN reporters in Caracas observed multiple explosions and heard aircraft flying overhead in the early hours of Saturday. Several areas of the city experienced power outages following the blasts, with the first explosion recorded around 1:50 a.m. local time (12:50 a.m. ET). In recent weeks, Trump had repeatedly warned that the US was preparing action against alleged Venezuelan drug trafficking networks, stating that strikes on land would commence “soon.” His campaign against Maduro has already targeted over 30 vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean as part of a counter-narcotics operation. Last month, Trump also imposed a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. Earlier, in December, the CIA reportedly carried out a drone strike on a coastal port facility in Venezuela, marking the first known US attack inside the country, CNN reported, citing sources.

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Anthony Joshua Escapes Death After Seat Swap Before Fatal Crash That Killed Two Friends

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Anthony Joshua narrowly avoided death in a car crash that killed two of his friends after a last-minute seat swap, UK’s Daily Mail reports. The former world heavyweight boxing champion, 36, had initially been seated in the front of his SUV but moved to the back shortly before the crash. The accident claimed the lives of Sani Ghami and Latif Adeyole, who had just arrived in Nigeria for a holiday. Joshua’s driver, 47-year-old Kayode Adeniyi, appeared in court on Friday and denied all charges, including dangerous driving. Wearing a black Muslim kaftan, Adeniyi pleaded not guilty, maintaining that brake failure caused the accident. He has driven Joshua for over three years and was granted bail, later escorted to Sagamu Correctional Centre for paperwork. Adeniyi’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, told the Daily Mail, “My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident. He says the brakes did not work. When the journey started in Lagos, Anthony was sitting in the front seat, but the driver asked him to move behind because he couldn’t see the wing mirror properly.” The report notes that one of Joshua’s friends later swapped seats with him—the side of the SUV that was hit during the crash. Outside court, Adeniyi’s family expressed their distress. His 19-year-old son, Ifeoluwa, said, “The family is very upset by what’s happened and we are sorry for the deaths of the two people. Dad is not a fast driver; he was following the speed limit. The brakes failed, and he tried to swerve to avoid a truck parked illegally by the side of the road but couldn’t avoid it. He’s been driving for Anthony for three years and is a good driver. If the truck hadn’t been parked there, this wouldn’t have happened.” The tragic incident occurred just minutes after the group had been picked up from the airport and were on their way to visit Joshua’s family in Sagamu.

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Canada Deports 366 Nigerians As Enforcement Hits Decade High

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Canada removed 366 Nigerian nationals between January and October 2025 as part of an intensified immigration enforcement drive, the most aggressive the country has carried out in more than a decade. Records from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) removals program show that an additional 974 Nigerians are currently listed as “removal in progress,” meaning they are awaiting deportation. Updated figures released on November 25, 2025, place Nigeria ninth among the top 10 nationalities deported from Canada this year, while it ranks fifth among countries with the highest number of pending removals. Historical data indicates that deportations of Nigerians from Canada have fluctuated over the years. In 2019, 339 Nigerians were removed, a figure that dropped to 302 in 2020, 242 in 2021, and 199 in 2022. Nigeria did not feature among the top 10 deported nationalities in 2023 and 2024 but returned to the list in 2025, recording 366 removals in just 10 months—about an eight percent increase compared to 2019. The rise in deportations coincides with a broader tightening of immigration controls. The CBSA is currently removing close to 400 foreign nationals every week, the fastest rate recorded in over 10 years. During the 2024–2025 fiscal year, Canada deported 18,048 people at a cost estimated at $78 million. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the CBSA is legally obligated to enforce valid removal orders against foreign nationals deemed inadmissible. Reasons for removal include security concerns, violations of human or international rights, criminal activity, organized crime, health or financial grounds, misrepresentation, and failure to comply with immigration regulations. Data shows that the majority of deportees—about 83 percent—are failed refugee claimants whose asylum applications were denied. Criminal cases account for roughly four percent of all removals. Canadian law recognizes three types of removal orders: departure orders, which require individuals to leave within 30 days; exclusion orders, which bar re-entry for one to five years; and deportation orders, which permanently prohibit return unless special authorization is granted. The federal government says the increased deportations are aimed at aligning immigration levels with national priorities, including addressing housing shortages, labour market pressures, and border security challenges. As part of this effort, authorities approved an additional $30.5 million over three years to strengthen removal operations and committed $1.3 billion to border security improvements. Concerns have been raised by immigration advocates over the potential impact of proposed legislation. Aisling Bondy, president of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, warned that deportations could rise further if Bill C-12, commonly referred to as the border bill, is passed. “According to Bondy, one provision in that legislation states that many individuals will face a permanent prohibition on submitting asylum applications in Canada.” An examination of CBSA figures shows that Nigeria is the only African country among the top 10 nationalities deported from Canada in 2025. Other African countries fall under a broader “remaining nationals” category, which recorded a total of 6,233 removals this year. Mexico leads the list of removals in 2025 with 3,972 deportations, followed by India (2,831), Haiti (2,012), Colombia (737), Romania (672), the United States (656), Venezuela (562), China (385), Nigeria (366), and Pakistan (359). In the current removal inventory, India tops the list with 6,515 cases, followed by Mexico (4,650), the United States (1,704), China (1,430), Nigeria (974), Colombia (895), Pakistan (863), Haiti (741), Brazil (650), and Chile (621). Nigeria remains the only African nation featured in this top 10. Despite the removals, Canada continues to attract Nigerians seeking better economic and educational opportunities. The 2021 Canadian census shows that more than 40,000 Nigerians migrated to Canada between 2016 and 2021, making them the largest African immigrant group and the fifth-largest overall during that period. Further data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada indicates that 6,600 Nigerians became permanent residents in the first four months of 2024, ranking fourth behind India, the Philippines, and China. Between 2005 and 2024, over 71,459 Nigerians obtained Canadian citizenship, placing Nigeria among the top 10 source countries for new Canadians. Canada’s ageing population and labour shortages continue to make the country an attractive destination for Nigerian professionals and students.

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